Simultaneous Operations (SIMOPS) Permits

SIMOPS permits control the interaction between two or more high-risk activities happening in the same area.
Examples include hot works near confined space entry, lifting over live pipework, and excavation near cranes.
Without SIMOPS control, one activity creates hazards that the other activity team is not aware of.
The SIMOPS permit cross-references the individual permits for each activity and identifies the interactions.
A SIMOPS coordinator ensures that all parties understand the combined risks and agreed controls.
Common interactions include sparks from hot works reaching a space with flammable atmosphere testing.
Time sequencing may be required: one activity must finish before the other can safely begin.
The SIMOPS permit must be displayed where all affected teams can see the combined arrangements.
CDM 2015 requires the principal contractor to coordinate activities that could affect each other.
SIMOPS permits are common on process plant shutdowns, MEICA installations, and multi-trade fit-outs.

Prevent interaction incidents	Activities that are safe individually become dangerous when combined in the same area without coordination.
Communication gaps	Separate permit systems for each activity miss the interaction risks that only a SIMOPS review identifies.
Legal duty	CDM 2015 Regulation 13 requires the principal contractor to coordinate work that affects the safety of others.

Do

Don't

Identify all activities that will occur simultaneously in the same area.
Issue a SIMOPS permit cross-referencing the individual permits for each activity.
Appoint a SIMOPS coordinator to manage the interaction between activity teams.
Brief all affected teams together on the combined risks and agreed controls.
Display the SIMOPS permit where all parties can see it during the work.
Define time sequencing where one activity must finish before another can start.
Review the SIMOPS arrangement if conditions, scope, or timing change during the shift.
Ensure each team knows who is responsible for coordination and communication.
Close the SIMOPS permit formally when all simultaneous activities are complete.
Record the SIMOPS coordination as part of the project safety documentation.

DON'T allow multiple high-risk activities in the same area without a SIMOPS permit.
DON'T assume individual permits cover the interaction risks between activities.
DON'T start a second activity without briefing the first activity team on the risks.
DON'T proceed without a named SIMOPS coordinator managing the combined operations.
DON'T keep SIMOPS information in one permit; all affected teams must see it.
DON'T ignore changes in scope or timing that affect the SIMOPS arrangement.
DON'T allow hot works to proceed near confined space entry without joint assessment.
DON'T operate cranes over workers carrying out excavation without SIMOPS controls.
DON'T close individual permits without also closing the SIMOPS coordination permit.
DON'T assume teams from different companies will coordinate without formal systems.

See also: Permit to Work Awareness | Multi-Trade Coordination Safety

Presenter		Project
Location		Date

Toolbox Talk Record