In high-risk operations, safety depends on one thing: clear decisions. The Matrix of Permitted Operations (MOPO) must work as a real-time decision framework for site personnel, not as a passive procedure on a shelf. When a facility fails to link its safe operating limits to real operational threats, two problems appear: high-risk concurrent tasks are carried out without adequate control, or hazardous work continues while safety-critical barriers are impaired.
What is a MOPO?
A MOPO is a structured decision matrix that connects operational activities with potential risks such as weather conditions, equipment status and simultaneous operations (SIMOPS). It helps teams decide whether to proceed with operations, apply additional controls or suspend activities immediately. It helps a facility stay within the risk levels required by COMAH.
Key safety principles
- Operational boundaries. Define exactly when tasks can be performed safely, with no assumptions.
- Risk differentiation. Every activity falls into one of three states: Permitted (Green), safe under normal conditions; Permitted with Caution (Yellow), requiring additional controls, senior management approval or heightened monitoring; and Not Permitted (Red), where the risk is too high and operations must stop or be suspended.
- SIMOPS management. Address the complexity of simultaneous operations so that conflicting activities do not create new hazards.
The operational risk and MOPO framework
1. Threat and escalation mapping (BowTie)
Threats and escalation factors are taken directly from the Major Accident Hazard (MAH) BowTie analyses, so the matrix is built on the situations that actually compromise safe operating limits.
2. SIMOPS and concurrent operations control
Overlapping production, drilling, construction and maintenance tasks are controlled with strict operational boundaries to prevent compounded risk.
3. Safeguard impairment and environmental limits
Operating limits are mapped against impaired safeguards, such as ESD or firewater systems, and against severe environmental thresholds.
4. Permitted operations mapping: stop or proceed with caution
Non-negotiable boundaries are defined, with clear Red STOP conditions separated from Amber proceed-with-caution scenarios that need extra controls.
Inputs to a robust MOPO
A MOPO is developed in line with international standards and ISO 31000 risk management principles and combines four groups of factors:
- Process and technical. Equipment limits and safe operating ranges.
- Environmental. Weather and environmental constraints.
- Safety and emergency. Availability of protection and response systems.
- Human factors. Workforce competency and readiness.
What a MOPO delivers
- Decision matrix. A practical guide for on-site decisions.
- Critical safeguards. Identification of the essential safety barriers.
- Action protocols. Defined rules for moving between operational states.
- Risk validation. Alignment with safety case requirements.
An auditable MOPO ensures SIMOPS are controlled, safeguard impairments trigger immediate risk mitigation and operations stay inside safe limits. Clear boundaries plus structured decisions mean safer operations.
How EnTech can help
We provide custom MOPO development for complex facilities, SIMOPS risk assessment and coordination, integration with Permit-to-Work systems, and training and implementation support. Contact us at info@EnTech-Solution.com.