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ComplianceGlossary Term

Permit (well Permit)

A government-issued authorisation required before drilling or servicing a well can begin. Subcontractors should confirm a valid permit is in place before mobilising crews or equipment. Work started without one can result in shutdowns, fines, or liability for the operator and service company.

Related Terms

Reauthorization

Compliance

Formal renewal of a previously approved work permit, purchase order, or scope of work that has expired or exceeded its original limits. Subcontractors must secure reauthorization before continuing work to avoid unpaid labour exposure. Delays in reauthorization can stall field crews and disrupt project schedules.

Struck-By Hazard

Compliance

A struck-by hazard refers to any situation on a worksite where personnel risk injury from a moving object, such as swinging loads, dropped tools, vehicles, or pressurised line failures — a leading cause of fatality that subcontractors must identify and control in their site-specific hazard assessments and toolbox talks. For field service crews working around heavy equipment, cranes, or high-traffic laydown yards, recognising and mitigating struck-by risks is a core compliance obligation under provincial occupational health and safety legislation.

Personal Fall Arrest System

Compliance

A PFAS (Personal Fall Arrest System) is safety equipment that stops a worker from hitting the ground during a fall. It typically includes a full-body harness, lanyard, and anchor point. Subcontractors must ensure PFAS equipment is inspected, certified, and meets provincial and federal regulations before workers go at height.

Safety Stand-Down

Compliance

A mandatory work stoppage called by a prime contractor or owner to address an immediate safety concern or incident. All field personnel halt operations and gather for a safety review before work resumes. Subcontractors must comply immediately, regardless of schedule or milestone pressures.

FEMI (Fixed Equipment Mechanical Integrity)

Compliance

A systematic programme ensuring stationary assets like pressure vessels, piping, and heat exchangers remain safe and fit for service. Subcontractors often deliver FEMI work through inspection, NDT, and repair scopes under an owner's integrity management plan. Expect strict documentation requirements and third-party sign-off before returning equipment to service.

Moratorium

Compliance

A government or operator-imposed halt on specific activities, such as drilling or fracking, in a region. For subcontractors, this means work orders stop and contracts may be suspended without pay. Always review force majeure clauses before mobilising to areas under active moratorium discussions.

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