Hot Work Permit VR Training for Abu Dhabi EPC Contractors (OSHAD SF)
VR hot work scenario for Abu Dhabi EPC contractors working under OSHAD SF: gas testing, combustibles, the fire watch and closing the permit.
QUICK ANSWER
Abu Dhabi entities manage occupational safety through the OSHAD SF framework, and EPC contractors on oil, gas and utility projects work under strict permit to work systems. Hot work is one of the highest risk permits. A VR scenario lets welders, fire watchers and permit issuers practise the checks before a real flame.
What the Rule Requires
Abu Dhabi Occupational Safety and Health System Framework (OSHAD SF): OSHAD SF is the Abu Dhabi Government occupational safety and health management system framework, and its latest version is 3.1, issued in March 2017. Entities and their contractors apply it through their own safety management systems and permit to work procedures. Map the scenario to the permit procedure on the project.
The scenario is a welding job on a pipe support inside a gas processing unit during a planned shutdown. The gas test is two hours old, there is a drain point open nearby, oily rags sit under the grating and the fire watch has been called away.
Hazards in This Scenario
- Flammable gas in the area
- Sparks falling through grating onto combustibles
- Open drains releasing vapour
- No fire watch during or after work
The Procedure the Scenario Rehearses
- Check that the gas test is current for the permit
- Look for open drains and sources of vapour
- Remove or cover combustibles below and around
- Confirm the fire watch is present with an extinguisher
- Stop work if the fire watch leaves
- Keep the fire watch after the work ends, as the permit requires
Mistakes the Scenario Is Built to Catch
- Starting with an old gas test
- Missing the open drain
- Ignoring the rags below the grating
- Working on after the fire watch left
Competence Assessment Matrix
| Decision point | What the assessor sees | Pass standard |
|---|---|---|
| Gas test | Age of the test | Retest required before start |
| Drain | Open drain spotted | Closed or covered first |
| Combustibles | Rags under grating | Removed before work |
| Fire watch | Watch leaves | Work stopped until watch returns |
What VR Covers
- Real flame decisions without fire
- Gas and drain hazards placed in the unit
- Welder and fire watcher trained together
- Permit steps practised in order
What VR Does Not Replace
- The real permit issued by the authority on site
- Gas testing by a competent tester
- Hands-on extinguisher training
Scope of a One-Scenario Pilot
A pilot builds this scenario as a single module, in Unity or Unreal Engine depending on the visual fidelity the task needs and the headsets on site. It runs on standalone headsets, logs every learner decision, and exports a per-person record for your training file. It is measured against your current method with a test cohort before anything is scaled.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is OSHAD SF?
It is the Abu Dhabi occupational safety and health system framework. Version 3.1 was issued in March 2017.
Does VR replace the hot work permit?
No. The permit is a legal control on site. VR trains people to follow it properly.
Who should do this scenario?
Welders, fire watchers, permit issuers and supervisors, ideally together.
Running this scenario across several sites or contractors?
We review your current procedure and tell you which parts can be rehearsed in VR and which still need hands-on practice.
Plan a Multi-Site PilotFurther reading
- Confined Space Entry VR Training for Abu Dhabi Utility and Plant Contractors
- Energy Isolation and Lockout VR Training for Abu Dhabi Plant Contractors (OSHAD SF)
- VR Training Records for HSE Prequalification of UAE EPC Contractors
- Hot work permit guide
- Fire extinguisher use
- All VR training scenarios: United Arab Emirates
- VR pilot readiness checklist
- How VR training programs are priced