Safety Officer - Heat Exchanger Maintenance

 Safety Officer - Heat Exchanger Maintenance

Location: OQ Refinery – Oman 

 1. Position Summary 

The Safety Officer will be the dedicated Health, Safety, and Environment (HSE) professional responsible for overseeing all safety aspects of a 5-year heat exchanger maintenance contract within a high-hazard refinery environment. This role is critical for ensuring the safe execution of all maintenance activities, including turnarounds and continuous maintenance programs, and requires a proactive approach to hazard identification, risk mitigation, and strict adherence to both company and regulatory safety standards. 

The incumbent will focus on the unique safety challenges associated with heat exchanger work, such as confined space entry, hot work, chemical circulation, Ultra-High Pressure (UHP) hydro jetting (up to 30,000 psi), controlled bolting (tensioning/tightening), blinding/de-blinding, retubing, heavy lifts and working at heights. 

2. Key Responsibilities 

The Safety Officer's responsibilities are structured to ensure comprehensive safety coverage for the duration of the 5-year contract: 

A. Operational Safety and Risk Management 

1. HSE Program Implementation: Implement, manage, and enforce the project-specific Health, Safety, and Environment (HSE) program, ensuring full compliance with all local, national, and international regulations (e.g., OSHA, API, HSE) and client-specific safety protocols.
   1. Risk Assessment & JSA: Conduct and review Job Safety Analyses (JSAs), Method Statements, and comprehensive risk assessments for all heat exchanger maintenance activities, including: Bundle pulling and re-installation.
2. Retubing of HXS
3. Ultra-High Pressure (UHP) Hydrojetting (up to 30,000 psi), ensuring strict adherence to exclusion zones and specialized PPE requirements.
4. Chemical Circulation and Cleaning, overseeing safe handling, containment, and disposal of hazardous substances.
5. Blinding and Deblinding of equipment, ensuring proper isolation, depressurization, and zero-energy state before work.
6. Controlled Bolting (Tensioning and Tightening), ensuring correct torque procedures and equipment integrity.
7. Tube inspection, repair, and pressure testing.
8.  
9. • Permit-to-Work (PTW) System: Manage and audit the Permit-to-Work system, specifically for high-risk activities such as Confined Space Entry, Hot Work, Working at Height, and Excavation, ensuring proper isolation and de-energization through Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) procedures.
10. • Inspections and Audits: Conduct daily safety inspections, weekly site audits, and scheduled deep-dive audits of the work area, tools, and equipment (e.g., lifting gear, scaffolding, temporary electrical installations) to identify and correct hazards promptly.

B. Training, Communication, and Incident Management 

1. Training and Awareness: Develop and deliver site-specific safety training, new hire inductions, and daily toolbox talks focused on the unique risks of heat exchanger maintenance, such as UHP hydrojetting, chemical exposure, blinding/deblinding, controlled bolting, dropped objects, and manual handling.
2. Incident Management: Lead or participate in the investigation of all incidents, near-misses, and property damage related to the maintenance activities, determining root causes using established methodologies, and implementing effective corrective and preventive actions.
3. Emergency Response: Coordinate with the refinery's emergency response team and ensure all project personnel are trained and aware of emergency procedures, including fire suppression, medical evacuation, and chemical spill response.

C. Contract and Long-Term Performance Focus 

1. Long-Term Safety Planning: Develop and maintain a 5-year safety performance plan, setting measurable goals and objectives to continuously reduce incident rates and improve the safety culture throughout the contract duration.
2. Performance Analysis: Monitor and analyze long-term safety performance data, identify trends, and prepare detailed monthly and quarterly HSE reports for project management and the client.
3. Regulatory Liaison: Act as the primary safety liaison with client representatives, regulatory bodies, and third-party auditors regarding the maintenance project's safety performance and compliance.

3. Qualifications and Experience 

Essential Requirements 

1. Education: Bachelor's degree in Occupational Health and Safety, Engineering, or a related technical field.
2. Certification: Nationally or internationally recognized safety certification (e.g., NEBOSH International General Certificate, CSP, or equivalent).
3. Experience: Minimum of 3 years of dedicated HSE experience in the Oil & Gas, Petrochemical, or Refinery sector, with at least 2 years directly supervising safety during major maintenance, turnaround, or shutdown projects.
4. Technical Knowledge: Proven expertise in high-hazard activities, including Confined Space Entry, Hot Work, LOTO, Scaffolding inspection, Ultra-High Pressure (UHP) Hydrojetting (30,000 psi), Controlled Bolting, and Blinding/Deblinding safety standards.

1. - Salary: OMR 600/ PM
2. - Work Schedule: 12-hour shifts
3. - Benefits: Food, accommodation, and transport provided near the site
4. - Requirements: Must be medically fit for site deployment with no pre-existing conditions