Introduction:

Simultaneous Operations (SIMOPS) is the management process for safely coordinating two or more potentially conflicting activities that occur at the same time and in close proximity within an operating facility. Common SIMOPS include construction or maintenance work near live process units, drilling new wells adjacent to producing wells, commissioning a new plant module while an existing one operates, or vessel offloading during production. SIMOPS planning identifies and mitigates the increased risks that arise from these interactions.

Purpose:

The purpose of SIMOPS management is to ensure that concurrent activities do not interact to create an unacceptable risk that would not exist if the activities were performed separately. It aims to: 

1) Proactively identify conflicts and hazards between activities (e.g., hot work near a gas leak source, crane lifts over live piping), 

2) Establish clear communication protocols and responsibility boundaries, 

3) Implement additional controls and barriers to manage the elevated risk, and 

4) Prevent incidents that could harm personnel, damage assets, or cause production loss.

Methodology:

SIMOPS is managed through a formal, documented process:

1.  SIMOPS Identification: During work planning, identify when and where activities will overlap.

2. Hazard Assessment: Conduct a SIMOPS-specific risk assessment, often in a workshop with representatives from all involved parties (operations, construction, contractors). Review interfaces using matrices or bowtie-like diagrams.

3.  Develop SIMOPS Plan: Create a detailed plan that includes:

    ∙ A matrix of activities, locations, and timings.

    ∙ Identified major hazards and conflicts.

    ∙ Specific control measures (e.g., physical barriers, extra gas monitoring, designated exclusion zones, dedicated spotters, revised permit-to-work sign-off sequence).

    ∙ Clear lines of communication and authority (e.g., a SIMOPS coordinator, radio channels).

    ∙ Emergency response procedures addressing the combined activities.

4.  Implementation & Monitoring: Communicate the plan to all personnel, implement controls, and actively monitor compliance, especially during shift changes.

Importance in the Process Industry:

In capital projects, plant turnarounds, and ongoing operations, SIMOPS are often unavoidable. They represent periods of significantly heightened risk, where the potential for catastrophic incidents (like the Piper Alpha disaster, which involved SIMOPS) is greatly increased. Formal SIMOPS management is therefore critical. It prevents the "silo" mentality where each work group focuses only on its own hazards. By forcing integrated planning and communication, it ensures that the complex web of interactions is understood and controlled, safeguarding both people and the integrity of the operating facility.