Life-Saving Rules

The nine Life-Saving Rules are shown below. These Rules focus on the activities which, through rigorous data analysis, have been shown to most likely result in fatalities. Each Rule consists of an icon and simple life-saving actions individuals can take to prevent a work related fatality.

Standardisation of Life-Saving Rules simplifies training, aids compliance and understanding of critical safeguards, and helps transfer of experience and lessons learned. Effective industry wide implementation requires collaboration between operators, contractors, and subcontractors. To achieve the benefits of standardisation, all 9 Rules should be adopted as written and not be modified or substituted. It is accepted that operational risk profiles may differ, and the Rules may not address all an organisation’s fatality risks. In this case, companies are encouraged to manage these other risks through existing management systems or in other ways, e.g., campaigns, training, and workforce engagement, rather than creating additional Life-Saving Rules. It is important that the Rules are understood by all individuals, their supervisors, and their leaders, and that management have created the conditions necessary to enable everyone to follow the Rules.

Please click on the icons below for full information about each rule:

1. Bypassing Safety Controls

Obtain authorisation before overriding or disabling safety controls

  • I understand and use safety-critical equipment and procedures which apply to my task
  • I obtain authorisation before:
    – disabling or overriding safety equipment
    – deviating from procedures
    – crossing a barrier

2. Confined Space

Obtain authorisation before entering a confined space

  • I confirm energy sources are isolated
  • I confirm the atmosphere has been tested and is monitored
  • I check and use my breathing apparatus when required
  • I confirm there is an attendant standing by
  • I confirm a rescue plan is in place
  • I obtain authorisation to enter

3. Driving

Follow safe driving rules

  • I always wear a seatbelt
  • I do not exceed the speed limit, and reduce my speed for road conditions
  • I do not use phones or operate devices while driving
  • I am fit, rested and fully alert while driving
  • I follow journey management requirements

4. Energy Isolation

Verify isolation and zero energy before work begins

  • I have identified all energy sources
  • I confirm that hazardous energy sources have been isolated, locked, and tagged
  • I have checked there is zero energy and tested for residual or stored energy

5. Hot Work

Control flammables and ignition sources

  • I identify and control ignition sources
  • Before starting any hot work:
    – I confirm flammable material has been removed or isolated
    – I obtain authorisation
  • Before starting hot work in a hazardous area I confirm:
    – a gas test has been completed
    – gas will be monitored continually

6. Line of Fire

Keep yourself and others out of the line of fire

  • I position myself to avoid:
    – moving objects
    – vehicles
    – pressure releases
    – dropped objects
  • I establish and obey barriers and exclusion zones
  • I take action to secure loose objects and report potential dropped objects

7. Safe Mechanical Lifting

Plan lifting operations and control the area

  • I confirm that the equipment and load have been inspected and are fit for purpose
  • I only operate equipment that I am qualified to use
  • I establish and obey barriers and exclusion zones
  • I never walk under a suspended load

8. Work Authorisation

Work with a valid permit when required

  • I have confirmed if a permit is required
  • I am authorised to perform the work
  • I understand the permit
  • I have confirmed that hazards are controlled and it is safe to start
  • I stop and reassess if conditions change

9. Working at Height

Protect yourself against a fall when working at height

  • I inspect my fall protection equipment before use
  • I secure tools and work materials to prevent dropped objects
  • I tie off 100% to approved anchor points while outside a protected area

To download the full IOGP Life-Saving Rules report, please click on the link below:

IOGP LIFE-SAVING RULES REPORT