API RP 2221:2011

Many facilities in the refining and petrochemical processing industries employ contractor personnel for a wide range of activities, from administrative support to equipment repair, maintenance, and construction. Contractor activities that involve work in or around process equipment can have an increased potential to place both contractor personnel and owner personnel at risk. This guide is intended to assist refining and petrochemical industry facility owners and contractors to implement (or improve) an effective contractor health and safety program. In the petroleum segment, API 2221 applies to downstream activities only. This includes refineries, pipelines and marketing and distribution terminals, but not exploration and production or marine. This document provides guidance for applying the principles outlined in API RP 2220, Improving Owner and Contractor Safety Performance. Security issues maintain a high profile in all aspects of industry, including the contractor screening and selection process; however, security is outside the scope of this standard and is mentioned as a reminder of the need for many facilities to include security in their contractor processes. Purpose The purpose of this publication is to assist owners and contractors to improve their safety programs. Joint commitment and support of safety program initiatives are essential in minimizing incidents and preventing injuries and illnesses. The nature of the work performed by contractors within the petroleum and chemical industries varies greatly. Some contractors perform construction and turnaround activities; other specialty contractors provide skills and services that are not typically found within an owner's work force. Other contractors may provide services to augment the peak loads and skills of owners' work forces, such as in maintenance and operation of facilities. These diverse functions and uses of contractors share a common need for effective safety programs to protect owner and contractor personnel from workplace injuries, illnesses and losses associated with incidents arising out of contractor work. This publication originated with an API task force comprised of representatives of owner companies and contracting firms involved in downstream operations including refining, petrochemical, pipeline, wholesale marketing and distribution. Application of any section of this publication by management should take into account the type of work, the level of risk, and safety performance expectations of the contractor personnel.