SIMOPS (Simultaneous Operations): A Complete Guide to Risk Assessment in Oil & Gas Facilities
Modern oil & gas, refinery, petrochemical, LNG, and chemical facilities often carry out multiple work activities simultaneously to improve productivity, reduce downtime, and meet project schedules. Construction, maintenance, commissioning, inspection, and production operations may all take place within the same area at the same time. While these concurrent activities increase operational efficiency, they also create additional hazards that cannot be identified through individual task-based risk assessments alone.
A SIMOPS (Simultaneous Operations) Study is a structured risk assessment that identifies, evaluates, and manages the hazards arising from concurrent work activities performed within the same operational area. It focuses on understanding how different activities interact with one another and establishes appropriate control measures to ensure safe execution.
What Is SIMOPS?
SIMOPS (Simultaneous Operations) refers to two or more independent activities being performed simultaneously by different teams in the same facility or work area where one activity may affect the safety of another. Although each task may have its own approved work procedure and risk assessment, the interaction between activities can create new hazards that require additional evaluation and control.
Common SIMOPS scenarios include:
- Construction activities within operating facilities
- Commissioning during live plant operations
- Hot work near hydrocarbon systems
- Heavy lifting during maintenance
- Pipeline tie-ins while production continues
- Tank cleaning near active storage areas
- Offshore drilling and maintenance operations
- Plant shutdown and turnaround activities
Why Is SIMOPS Important?
Industrial facilities strive to maximize productivity while minimizing downtime. However, performing multiple activities at the same time can create conflicts between work teams, equipment, and operational systems.
Without proper coordination, simultaneous operations can lead to:
- Fire and explosion hazards
- Loss of containment
- Conflicting Permit to Work (PTW) activities
- Equipment damage
- Personnel injuries
- Restricted emergency access
- Production disruptions
A SIMOPS Study identifies these interaction hazards before work begins, allowing organizations to implement appropriate safeguards and improve coordination between operations, maintenance, contractors, and project teams.
Objectives of a SIMOPS Study
The primary objectives of a SIMOPS Risk Assessment are to:
- Identify hazards created by simultaneous operations
- Evaluate interaction risks between concurrent activities
- Review existing safety controls
- Recommend additional mitigation measures
- Improve Permit to Work coordination
- Enhance communication between stakeholders
- Support safe construction, commissioning, maintenance, and operational activities
Why SIMOPS Matters
As industrial facilities become more complex, effective coordination between multiple work groups is essential. A structured SIMOPS Study helps organizations reduce operational conflicts, improve safety, protect personnel and assets, and maintain business continuity during critical projects.
Continue Reading
This article provides an overview of SIMOPS (Simultaneous Operations) and its role in managing risks during concurrent activities in oil & gas and process industries.
To explore the complete guide, including the SIMOPS risk assessment methodology, hazard identification, risk evaluation, benefits, and FAQs, visit our website:
👉 Read the complete SIMOPS Guide:
https://ifluids.com/simultaneous-operations-simops/
About iFluids Engineering
iFluids Engineering is a leading Process Safety and Risk Management consulting company providing engineering studies for the oil & gas, refinery, petrochemical, LNG, chemical, and energy sectors. Our expertise includes HAZOP, SIL Assessment, QRA, SIMOPS, HAZID, HIRA, Fire & Gas Mapping, Bowtie Analysis, RBI, ESSA, and Process Safety Management (PSM) studies.
Learn more: https://ifluids.com/