SAEP-11 is the designated Saudi Aramco Engineering Procedure for "Excavation, Trenching, and
Shoring." It is a critical, mandatory safety standard that governs all excavation work on Saudi
Aramco projects. Its primary purpose is to prevent catastrophic incidents, most notably cave-ins,
which are a leading cause of fatalities in construction.
It is not just a chapter within the Construction Safety Manual (CSM) but is a standalone
procedure that is incorporated by reference into the CSM. This means every contractor working
for Saudi Aramco must comply with SAEP-11 for any excavation activity.
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Detailed Breakdown of SAEP-11
1. Purpose and Scope
The procedure exists to:
· Protect personnel working in and around excavations from hazards like collapse, falling
materials, atmospheric hazards (toxic gases, oxygen deficiency), and mobile equipment.
· Prevent damage to underground utilities (e.g., pipelines, power cables, communication lines)
which can cause service interruptions, fires, or explosions.
· Establish a strict permit-to-work process for all excavations.
2. Key Requirements and Elements
SAEP-11 outlines a comprehensive set of controls. Key elements include:
· Permit to Work (Excavation Permit): No excavation can begin without a valid permit. This
permit requires signatures from the foreman, safety representative, and the area authorizer,
ensuring multiple layers of review.
· Underground Utilities Clearance (Call Before You Dig): This is a non-negotiable first step.
Contractors must contact Saudi Aramco's designated service (e.g., GIS or maintenance
departments) to identify and mark the location of all underground facilities. This often involves
a physical "pot-holing" or "test-hole" process to visually confirm the location and depth of
utilities before mechanical excavation begins.
· Competent Person: A central figure in the procedure. A "Competent Person" must be
designated for every excavation site. This person has the authority to identify hazards, order
corrective actions, and stop work. They are responsible for daily and pre-shift inspections of the
excavation, adjacent areas, and protective systems.
· Soil Classification and Analysis: The competent person must classify the soil type (e.g., Stable
Rock, Type A, B, or C) to determine its stability and the appropriate protective system needed.
· Protective Systems (Sloping, Shoring, Shielding): Based on the depth and soil conditions, SAEP
-11 mandates specific protective systems to prevent cave-ins:
· Sloping or Benching: Cutting back the trench wall at a specific angle.
· Shoring: Installing aluminum hydraulic or timber supports to brace the trench walls.
· Shielding (Trench Boxes): Using a protective box placed in the trench that workers enter. The
box is designed to protect workers if a collapse occurs.
· Access and Egress: For trenches 4 feet (1.2 meters) deep or more, safe access and egress,
such as ladders, steps, or ramps, must be provided within 25 feet (7.6 meters) of any worker.
· Spoil Pile Placement: Excavated material (spoil) must be placed at least 2 feet (0.6 meters)
back from the edge of the excavation. This reduces the load on the trench walls and prevents
material from falling back in.
· Atmospheric Testing: In excavations deeper than 4 feet (1.2 meters), the atmosphere must be
tested for hazardous gases (e.g., H2S) and oxygen levels if a potential hazard exists.
· Water Accumulation: Procedures must be in place to control water accumulation (e.g., from
rain or water seepage), which can severely weaken trench walls.
3. Why SAEP-11 is So Important in the Aramco Context
· High-Risk Environment: Aramco's work often involves complex sites with a dense network of
existing live pipelines (carrying oil, gas, chemicals), power cables, and other critical utilities. A
single mistake can be disastrous.
· Strict Compliance Culture: Saudi Aramco operates a "Zero Incidents" culture. SAEP-11 is a
foundational document to enforce this culture for one of the most hazardous construction
activities.
· Legal and Contractual Obligation: Compliance with SAEP-11 is a contractual requirement for all
contractors. Failure to adhere can result in work stoppages, hefty fines, and removal from the
project.
In Relation to the Construction Safety Manual (CSM)
The Construction Safety Manual (CSM) is the overarching document that outlines Saudi
Aramco's safety philosophy, general requirements, and management systems for all
construction work.
SAEP-11 is one of many detailed, subject-specific Engineering Procedures that are referenced
and required by the CSM. When the CSM states that all excavations must be performed safely, it
directs the user to comply with the specific, detailed rules laid out in SAEP-11.
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In summary, SAEP-11 is Saudi Aramco's rigorous and non-negotiable standard for conducting
excavation work safely. It is a comprehensive procedure designed to manage the significant
risks of cave-ins and utility strikes through a strict permit system, mandatory protective
measures, and the constant oversight of a Competent Person.
