OPITO STANDARDS
OPITO is an Industry-owned not-for-profit organisation that exists solely to service the needs of
the Oil and Gas Industry.
OPITO is employer led in all aspects of what it does, therefore all standards development
activities are at the behest of industry employers. The standards are driven by the needs of
employers to help create a safe and competent workforce.
This standard is owned by the Oil and Gas Industry and maintained by OPITO who are the
nominated custodians of all Industry standards within the OPITO portfolio which carry the
OPITO logo.
The contents of this document were developed by an industry workgroup facilitated and
supported by OPITO. The workgroup consisted of representation from a cross section of oil and
gas industry employers, discipline experts working within the industry and members of the
OPITO Approved Training network.
This standard has been verified and accepted through the governance and integrity
management model for OPITO standards.
This standard has been designed to accommodate global variations in national legislation
and regulations. In the absence of relevant national legislation and regulations, OPITO
approved centres should use legislative and regulatory criteria specified within this Standard
© OPITO
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval or
information storage system, or transmitted in any form or my any means, mechanical,
photocopying, recording or otherwise, without prior permission in writing of the publishers.
AMENDMENTS
AMENDMENT & DATE PAGES CHANGES CHECKED BY APPROVED
MADE BY BY
New Standard Rev 0
All P Crowther M. Foo P. Lammiman
24-Nov 2010
Removed ‘offshore’ in Module 1
1 and Module 7 titles Various M. Carr M. Foo P. Lammiman
13 Apr-2011
Removed offshore references
throughout Standard and replaced
2 Various M. Foo M. Carr P. Lammiman
with ‘oil and gas operations’
25 August-2011
Amended Appendix 1 to include
more relevant OPITO information.
Appendix
3 M. Foo M. Carr P. Lammiman
1, page 32
Revision 0 Amendment 3
23-August 2012
Replaced Course Code with
Standard Code in Title Page and
amended reference to ‘course
identification code’ with ‘OPITO
registration code’ under section
Title Page,
4 D.3 Certification - to align with M. Foo M. Carr P. Lammiman
Page 30
other OPITO standards
Revision 0 Amendment 4
10-January 2013
Contents
The oil & gas industry operates in some of the most dangerous environments in the world.
Hazards are expected in this setting and must be controlled.
Improvements in technology, workforce involvement, infrastructure care and rig operations have
led to recent reductions in injuries and incidents but, it is recognised, more still needs to be
done. It is believed that improved base line safety training is likely to improve the situation by
ensuring that all personnel have the necessary safety awareness and basic skills training to
recognise and avoid risk.
To address this need, companies in the UK North Sea, along with Step Change in Safety,
agreed to develop an introductory training programme that would introduce the key safety
elements required by all employees.
Employers, through the Middle East Africa and Asia Pacific Employers Forums, from oil and gas
regions around the world have asked for an equivalent programme to be developed to meet the
global needs of the oil and gas industry. In response to this request, OPITO, in conjunction with
industry representatives, has developed an International Minimum Industry Safety Training
standard suitable for use irrespective of location.
The course can be offered at an OPITO approved training establishment or be employer led
(OPITO approval required).
The OPITO “International Minimum Industry Safety Training” (IMIST) is highly recommended
for all inexperienced employees in the Oil & Gas Industry.
This introductory safety training programme is designed to introduce the fundamental safety
elements of the oil & gas industry to new starts, giving an appreciation of the potential hazards
and controls that might be encountered by personnel. Each unit has been designed to focus the
delegates’ attention on their personal responsibility for safety thus influencing their behaviour
and attitude towards their co-workers, the oil and gas operations and the environment.
There are no specific medical requirements, although personnel must have a current offshore
medical certificate before being allowed to work offshore.
The aim of the IMIST programme is to introduce delegates to the key safety elements required
by all employees working in the oil and gas industry. It also ensures the knowledge and
understanding of these basic safety elements are maintained and current amongst the existing
workforce. The Learning Outcomes of the programme are contained in section A5.
During the Introductory Safety Training Programme candidates will gain an awareness of the
variety of tasks and the safety risks to be found in the oil and gas industry. They will be required
to demonstrate a sufficient level of knowledge and understanding of the following key areas:
At the end of each module the delegate must be able to explain:
Continued.
Revision 0 (Nov 2010) Amendment 4 (Jan 2013) Page 7 of 33
OPITO Approved Standard
International Minimum Industry Safety Training (IMIST) Standard
© OPITO
Delegates attending this training programme will be given a series of explanations and
demonstrations which will identify what they are expected to know and do.
At the end of each module, candidates will be given a short test which will allow them to
demonstrate their knowledge and understanding of the course content. A pass mark of 80% is
required for each test.
Four modules also have practical components in which the delegates will take an active part.
These exercises should be checked for accuracy by the training provider and results fed back to
the delegates. (These exercises will form an integral part of the modules and will be reviewed/
corrected by the training provider where required. They will not contribute to the final pass/fail
decision.)
Any delegate failing to meet the expected learning outcomes as the course progresses can be
given additional training. However, it should be clear that time to do this within the optimum
contact time is limited and the delegate would have to show, through repeating test & practice
sessions, that they have bridged the gap in their knowledge and understanding.
If any delegate fails, in the opinion of the training providers and after reasonable tuition, to meet
the learning outcomes of any individual module, the entire IMIST must be repeated. Training
providers must have a documented procedure in place for dealing with persons not meeting the
stated learning outcomes.
NOTE: All practical exercise and test documentation completed by the delegates will be
retained by the training provider for audit purposes.
The total training day includes contact time, refreshment and meal breaks and travel between
training sites where applicable. The total contact time per day shall not exceed 8 hours and the
total training day shall not exceed 10 hours. Contact time for delegates should not run
consecutively for more than 2 hours without a refreshment break.
Each module will require the trainer to explain aims, learning outcomes, timetable, assessment
methods and training staff roles. The time taken for this is expected to be approximately 10
minutes for each module.
OPITO approval will not be awarded for delivery of individual IMIST modules, only for the
complete (9 module) standard. However, there are two different approaches which can be
taken in relation to the delivery of the standard:
Delivery Option 1:
Modules 1-9 of the IMIST can be delivered consecutively over two days with an optimum
contact time of 13.5 hours. The table below indicates the approximate time in which to deliver
the contents of each module.
Delivery Option 2:
One or more modules can be incorporated into an employer’s in-house training programme.
The table below gives the training provider a minimum time in which to deliver the contents of
each module detailed within this standard.
Where this option is chosen, in addition to satisfying OPITO’s Approval Criteria, the following
conditions apply:
1. The IMIST content may be incorporated into more in-depth programmes of longer
duration, e.g. “PTW User” training, company specific Safety Observation Systems, etc.
2. All IMIST related learning material and documentation must clearly reference the
applicable section(s) of the IMIST standard
3. Each delegate will complete the IMIST training within a 30 day period
4. A system to record which modules and on which dates have been completed by each
delegate, must be maintained
5. A delegate will not be deemed to have completed the IMIST training, and will not be
registered on Vantage, until the delegate has attended all of the nine IMIST modules
Note:
Within both ‘Delivery Options’, where some modules are to be delivered within ‘in-depth’ and/or
‘in-house’ programmes by a sub-contracting company (whether by classroom or CBT delivery);
‘OPITO Approval’ will remain with the organisation applying for approval. It will be the
responsibility of that ‘OPITO Approved’ organisation to ensure all training material and delivery
complies with this IMIST standard. Continued…
Delivery timing:
Module 2 Working Safely 2 hours (including practical session and 15 minutes for
test & discussion)
Module 3 Risk Assessment 2 hours (including practical session and 10 minutes for
test & discussion)
Module 4 Permit to Work 1½ hours (including practical session and 10 minutes
for test & discussion)
Module 5 Asset Integrity 1 hour (including 10 minutes for test & discussion)
Module 9 Mechanical Lifting 1½ hours (including 10 minutes for test & discussion)
An organisation may decide that the most appropriate method for delivering this learning is
through computer based training (CBT) supported by some elements of demonstration and
delegate participation. As with classroom instruction, it will be up to the organisation that applies
for OPITO approval to demonstrate how the learning outcomes will be met and the tests
delivered.
The recommended contact times contained in A.7 are for classroom based delivery and may not
apply to CBT delivery. However the time spent on each module as a percentage of the total time
will not change and it is foreseeable that this would take a minimum of 9.5 hours (in total).
The training programme outlined below will assist the delegates to meet the stated learning
outcomes. The order in which elements of the training programme are delivered may vary.
However, contents in Appendix 1 must be covered prior to course commencement.
To make efficient use of time and ensure effective learning there should, wherever practicable,
be an integration of the three phases of explanation, demonstration and practise. Full use
should be made of visual / audio visual aids, computer based training, case studies, videos and
course handout materials. Training staff should give practical demonstrations for all training
activities which delegates are required to practice and demonstrate. Continued.
Revision 0 (Nov 2010) Amendment 4 (Jan 2013) Page 11 of 33
OPITO Approved Standard
International Minimum Industry Safety Training (IMIST) Standard
© OPITO
Each module must be introduced prior to commencing the session and should include:
1.1.1 Possible major hazards while working within the hostile and often remote
environment of oil and gas operations including:
(a) Fire
(b) Explosion
(c) High pressure release of gas
(d) H2S creation
(e) Structural failure
(f) Adverse weather damage
1.1.2 Possible hazards associated with living and working in oil and gas operations
such as:
Training providers: Reinforce the idea that the hazard list is not comprehensive and other
potential hazards will be discussed during the course and, indeed, when they work in oil and
gas operations.
Module 1 Test: Five minute module test with five questions based on the learning outcomes.
Mark the papers and discuss the answers as a group (5 minutes).
2.1.1 Complying with regulations, acts, legislation, industry guidance and ACOPs,
including:
(a) Ensuring there is suitable and sufficient assessment of risk (ALARP concept)
(b) The responsibilities of employers and employees with regard to health & safety at
work
(c) The requirement to ensure equipment is fit for purpose, safe for use, maintained
in safe condition and used by properly trained workers
(d) The regulations designed to reduce the risks from major accidents hazards to the
health and ensure the safety of those working in oil and gas operations or in
connected activities
2.1.2 The fact that it is a criminal offence not to comply with acts and regulations
2.1.3 The Safety Case being the overarching safety document for oil and gas
operations
2.1.4 A history of the document including links to the Piper Alpha disaster (excerpts
from two DVDs could be used – The Lessons of Piper Alpha (Oil & Gas UK)
or Spiral to Disaster (BBC)) (offshore)
2.1.5 Why a Safety Case is submitted for each field from early development
through to decommissioning
2.1.6 How the Safety Case allows oil and gas operations to operate by proving that
a company recognises any hazards, has done suitable risk assessments and
implemented appropriate controls
2.1.7 The availability of the Safety Case to all employees
2.1.8 The use of summary documents to increase general understanding and
awareness
Continued.
2.1.9 The Safety Management System for the effective and proactive management
of safety
2.1.10 The required comprehensive health and safety policies which show control,
co-operation, communication and competence
2.1.11 The fact that the Safety Management System is not inert i.e. when a problem
is identified the system should be capable of responding
2.1.12 The role of safety committees and safety meetings in the Safety Management
System
2.1.13 The role of the safety representative – why he/she has functions and powers,
but not duties
2.1.14 Contacting the safety representative to make representation to an area
supervisor, OIM or the Regulatory authorities.
2.1.15 An individual’s responsibility to follow company procedures for the collective
learning experience
2.2.1 How work is planned safely across oil and gas operations by considering:
2.2.2 Toolbox Talks in which the task-based risk assessments are discussed –
when and how they should be held
2.2.3 Safety activities and documentation such as drills & exercises, work
instructions and incident records
2.2.4 Shift handover procedures
Module 2 Demonstration: Illustrate key elements of a Safety Observation System with the
trainers role playing successful and unsuccessful encounters with personnel. The delegates
should discuss the differences and agree with the best approach to deliver unsolicited safety
guidance.
Module 2 Practical Exercise: The delegates should complete a Safety Observation Card in
the “No name, no blame” style for one of the role play situations performed above. A sample of
the completed Safety Observation Cards should be discussed with the class.
2.4.1 Selecting the appropriate personal protection clothing and equipment (PPE)
suitable for the type of work being undertaken
2.4.2 The importance of taking a break shortly after starting the task to evaluate
and discuss any changes in the conditions
2.4.3 Understanding that personal actions might degrade the safety in an area
2.4.4 Knowing that subsequent incidents won’t be the same
2.4.5 Realising that mitigating risk may also create new risks
2.4.6 Spatial awareness; being conscious of the immediate environment (especially
working in tight spaces) so that hazards are not inadvertently caused.
Module 2 Test: Ten minute module test with ten questions based on the learning outcomes.
Mark the papers and discuss the answers as a group (5 minutes).
(a) Identify if there are procedures and previous risk assessments – obtain copies
and review them
(b) Ask how people could get hurt? Could we cause damage to equipment or the
environment? (*see e) below)
(c) Decide on precautions and controls (*see e) below)
(d) Communicate the findings with the appropriate person(s)
(e) Implement the controls BEFORE starting the job
(a) Risk equals probability multiplied by consequences (which could include people,
infrastructure, environment & reputation)
(b) Look at risk with no controls
(c) Add controls to make the risk “as low as reasonably practicable” (ALARP)
3.1.6 The need for continuous risk assessment to identify hazards as they evolve
Module 3 Demonstration: Illustrate the key elements of preparing a risk assessment using a
practical exercise, if possible, from the oil and gas industry.
Module 3 Practical Exercise: The delegates in small groups (2-3) should discuss the hazards
without controls, prepare a risk assessment, and then decide on controls that can be added to
lower the risk from medium/high to ALARP. A sample of the group risk assessments should be
discussed with the class.
Module 3 Test: Five minute module test with five questions based on the learning outcomes.
Mark the papers and discuss the answers as a group (5 minutes).
4.1.1 Principles & objectives of the Permit to Work system for controlled work or
special work activities to ensure:
(a) Proper planning and consideration is given to the risks of a particular job
(b) The proper authority has generated the permit
(c) The right precautions have been taken
(d) The person in charge is aware of the activity(ies)
Module 4 Demonstration: Illustrate the key elements of a PTW system, i.e. following a permit
through from start to finish, using examples of relevant permits showing the hazard, risk, cross-
referencing and authorisation sections that the delegates should complete.
Module 4 Practical Exercise: From an example Permit to Work, each delegate will highlight
the controls they would need to adhere to if they were part of the work crew. A sample of the
highlighted PTWs should be discussed with the class.
Module 4 Test: Five minute module test with five questions based on the learning outcomes.
Mark the papers and discuss the answers as a group (5 minutes).
5.1.1 The meaning of asset integrity and a description of its other names (e.g.
platform integrity)
5.1.2 Divisions of asset integrity in oil and gas operations:
(a) Structural integrity (For example 100 foot waves, hurricanes/cyclones and
typhoons , colder climates experience icebergs etc.)
(b) Well integrity including well construction, well equipment and reservoir conditions
(c) Fire and explosion prevention
(d) Refuge and evacuation including muster control, temporary refuge and
evacuation escape
5.1.3 Safety critical elements – understanding why some items and systems are
critical to safety
5.1.4 Company specific models (e.g. Barrier Model) for demonstrating weaknesses
in the system\
5.1.5 Escalation scenarios - realising that a series of minor risks might combine to
create a major hazard or that a major hazard may result from a minor
problem that was ignored
5.1.6 Employer responsibilities for asset integrity such as:
(a) Using performance standards & manufacturers’ notes to determine how an item
should work
(b) Ensuring that safety critical items are in a condition to keep employees safe
(c) Ensuring that equipment on the platform is capable of doing the job it was
intended to do
(d) The need for third party verification
Module 5 Demonstration: Illustrate the concept of safety critical items by using common
examples relevant to oil and gas operations or by defining the parts of a vehicle.
Module 5 Test: Five minute module test with five questions based on the learning outcomes.
Mark the papers and discuss the answers as a group (5 minutes).
6.2.1 The Manual Handling hierarchy to assess manual handling operations for the
possibility of risk
6.2.2 Understanding that any changes to a normal lift limits the weight that can be
lifted by various proportions
6.2.3 Ergonomics and the importance of maintaining correct body posture
6.2.4 Methods to control the risk such as:
In addition, a) provide a demonstration of a team lift with a leader selected and appropriate
communications methods used and b) provide a large bulky package that requires the use of a
trolley.
Module 6 Practical Exercise: Delegates should practise and then demonstrate the techniques
either singly or in teams.
Module 6 Test: Five minute module test with five questions based on the learning outcomes.
Mark the papers and discuss the answers as a group (5 minutes).
7.1.3 How personnel might come into contact with hazardous substances by:
7.1.4 Sensitisation (even a small quantity on first usage can cause problems or
manifest itself 20 years later)
7.1.5 Government regulations pertaining to product labeling
7.1.6 Hazard symbols showing the common dangers in oil and gas operations e.g.
highly flammable; toxic; irritant, corrosive etc.
7.1.7 The applicability of regulations for hazardous substances to unknown fumes
or gases in the area (e.g. H2S)
7.1.8 Employers’ duties under regulations for hazardous substances
7.2.4 The numbering and colour coding for face masks depending on the
substances to be filtered
7.2.5 Using barrier cream on skin
7.2.6 The storage of and access to chemicals to prevent fire, explosion, chemical
burns and environmental damage
7.2.7 Never using tins or packages that have unknown substances or are half-used
by someone else
7.2.8 Health surveillance of employees; monitoring workers’ exposure
7.2.9 Keeping full PPE on until after the area is tidy and the job is complete
Module 7 Test: Ten minute module test with ten questions based on the learning outcomes.
Mark the papers and discuss the answers as a group (5 minutes).
8.1.1 Planning & organising WAH activities considering the following factors:
(a) Weather
(b) Location
(c) Fragile surfaces
(d) Falling objects
8.1.3 A place being “at height” if a person can be injured falling from it, even if it is
at or below ground level
8.1.4 The hazards of working at height such as falling, dropped objects,
suspension trauma
8.1.5 Manriding as a WAH activity
8.1.6 The WAH hierarchy for managing & selecting equipment for WAH:
8.1.7 Types of ladders, scaffolding equipment and mobile elevated work platforms
(MEWPs)
8.1.8 Awareness of a scaffold tagging system & requiring trained personnel to
install and correct the structure
8.1.9 Signing for Tools Aloft, using a tool belt, tool rolls or a shadow wall
8.1.10 Associated WAH fall protection systems including harnesses, lanyards and
inertia reels
8.1.11 Using the ‘trailing hand technique’ for climbing stairs and safely crossing
gangways
Module 8 Test: Five minute module test with five questions based on the learning outcomes.
Mark the papers and discuss the answers as a group (5 minutes).
9.1.1 The magnitude of loads to be lifted in oil and gas operations (e.g. a typical
piece of pipework equalling 28 bags of cement) showing why it is important to
get lifting activities right
9.1.2 Statistics of lifting accidents in the oil and gas industry
9.1.3 Hazards associated with lifting operations such as:
Module 9 Test: Five minute module test with five questions based on the learning outcomes.
Mark the papers and discuss the answers as a group (5 minutes).
Reassessment, via an on-line assessment, will take place every four years or more frequently if
persons have not worked in the industry for at least 12 months.
SECTION C Resources
In order that a training programme may be delivered successfully it is essential that the right
people are there to support the programme and that the appropriate facilities and equipment are
in place.
C.1 Staff
OPITO approved training providers will deliver training and carry out assessment of the
modules.
It is important that the staff involved have the appropriate qualifications and experience to
ensure that all training and supporting activities are carried out in accordance with current
legislation.
All staff will have the appropriate competencies to conduct/assist with the element of training
being undertaken.
The ratio shown for theory sessions indicates the maximum number of delegates that should
attend the course in any one session.
Theory 1 : 16
Demonstrations 1 : 16
Practical 1:8
C.3 Facilities
It is important to ensure that the full range of facilities are made available to ensure delegates
get the most out of their training. The following facilities criteria must be adhered to:
Administration arrangements appropriate for enrolment and certification of delegates and all
aspects of the delivery of training in accordance with this standard.
A designated room that will not be used simultaneously for any other activity and which
provides sufficient room for delegates to participate fully in the instruction, demonstration and
practice sessions
Risk assessments must be conducted and documented for all training facilities and
equipment.
Location of Training
It is recognised that the restricted range of resources and facilities required makes this course
suitable for on-location training. However, prior to any courses being delivered remotely,
training providers must comply with the following requirements:
a) Prior to initial approval, the training provider will specify a single ‘approved site’ and
advise OPITO of its intention to deliver training remotely.
b) The training provider will advise OPITO of the location of any remote training in advance
of each delivery.
c) The training provider shall ensure the suitability of facilities and arrangements prior to
delivery.
d) Documented evidence will be retained by the training provider to show that delivery of
training at the remote site meets the criteria detailed in this OPITO standard including,
but not limited to, facilities, equipment and qualifications of instructional staff.
g) OPITO reserves the right to audit any or all of the remote sites operated by the training
provider.
C.4 Equipment
The following equipment and reference material is required to meet the stated content of the
training course.
Please note: Due to the variety of forms, records, plans, schedules etc. used in industry, the
examples used for training purposes may differ from those found onsite. Training examples
should represent the range of documents available and should be as typical and current as
possible.
All equipment must be maintained, and where appropriate, inspected and tested in
accordance with current standards/legislation, guidance and manufacturers
recommendations.
All joining instructions must contain information which indicates that certain aspects of the
course are of a physical nature.
Prior to each course commencing, delegates must sign a declaration indicating they have read
and understood a written statement regarding the physical nature of the programme and the
need for delegates to be in good health.
D.2 Periodicity
Refer to Section B
Note: Some individual companies require re-validation at intervals more frequent than that
required by OPITO; in these instances it will be acceptable for training providers to omit or
modify the expiry date to avoid confusion. However the validity period will remain as set by
OPITO with regard to the central register and the industry as a whole.
D.3 Certification
Persons successfully completing the nine introductory training modules will be issued with an
OPITO endorsed certificate for the Oil & Gas Industry International Minimum Industry
Safety Training (IMIST) Programme.
Training establishments are responsible for issuing a certificate direct to the delegate
completing the programme and to the sponsoring company (when required). Each certificate
must indicate that the delegate has been assessed against the learning outcomes and must
contain the following:
Each delegate attending any OPITO approved programme must be registered with the Central
Register (CR) operated by OPITO. Registration must be made by the training establishment to
OPITO within one week following the course.
OPITO confirms that information on the registration form will be contained in a computerised
register which will be available to employers, prospective employers and training providers in
the oil and gas industry to verify training records. At all times use of this data will be strictly in
accordance with principles laid down in the UK Data Protection Act, 1998.
Glossary
Appendix 1
The topics listed below are to be delivered as part of the introduction to this course and included
in the Lesson Plans/Instructor guides/Exercise Plans. Additional introduction topics may include
training centre layout and alarms, emergency actions, first aid and domestic arrangements