WORK PERMITS
Work permit is a documented format that authorizes certain people to carry out specific work within a specified time frame/area. It sets out the precautions required to complete the work safely, based on a risk management.
Features of Permit-to-Work Systems:
1. A standard operating procedure.
2. The equipment and tools to be used.
3. A hazard and risk assessment.
4. Required precautions, mitigating actions and control measures.
5. The permit issue, extension and withdrawal details.
6. The names and signatures of those who are responsible for the job.
7. A tool box talk signed by all workmen.
A work permit system consists of standard procedure essential
1. Details of the necessary preparatory work method statement,
2. Clear definition of responsibilities.
3. It is a formal recorded process:
4. It monitors and audits to ensure that the system works as intended
5. It is for authorized persons.
6. Training of authorized persons.
7. Instructions in the issue, use and closure.
8. There is provision of safety equipment.
Where Work Permits Needed:
1. Works which may adversely affect the safety of personnel, the environment or the plant.
2. High risk or non-routine activities which will require some form of prior to work commencing.
3. Non-production work like maintenance, repair cleaning, testing etc,
4. Jobs where two or more individuals or groups need to coordinate activities to complete the job safely.
5. Work on high voltage electrical equipment.
6. Work on electrical trouble shooting or repair on live circuits.
7. Work involving the use of hazardous or dangerous substances including radioactive materials and explosives.
8. Complex machinery.
9. Pressure testing.
10. Escape or rescue systems.
11. Critical lifting, use of mobile cranes.
12. Work at height
13. Operational pipelines.
14. Work near energized lines.
15. Should not be used for all activities, if not necessary.
When PTW not required:
1 Emergency.
2. Routine activity
Definitions in Work Permits:
Responsible person: is person authorized by manager who will responsible for keeping his area and staff safe.
Issuer : is a person who is trained competent and authorized to issue a permit to work after ensuring that all the hazards, associated with the work being done in that area and all necessary safety precautions are being implemented to ensure that the work can be completed safely
Executor: is a person who is trained, competent and authorized who is responsible for the work being completed as described in the permit to work
Field operator: is a competent person and supports the isolator at site, checks the site compliance to permit conditions and signs the permit.
Types of work permits:
1. Cold work.
2. Hot work.
3. Confined space.
4. Excavation.
5. Radiography.
Cold work permit: A cold work permit shall be obtained for all general work that does not involve activities related to hot work.
Examples: Routine maintenance, inspection, hand tools
Hot work permit: It is any work that could create a source of ignition that could result in a fire or explosion.
Examples: Spark producing tools, Hammering in high risk gas areas, explosives, welding etc.
Elements of Work Permits System:
1. Issue,
2. Receipt,
3. Clearance,
4. Cancellation
1. Issue:
● It means prejob checks.
● Description of work to be carried out.
● Description of plant and location.
● Assessment of hazards.
● Identification of controls
2. Receipt:
● It means handover of permit.
● Competent and authorized person issues permit to workers.
● Workers sign to say they accept controls.
● Work can now start.
● Plant is now under the control of the workers.
3. Clearance:
● It means hand back of permit.
● Workers sign to say they have left the job site and equipment can restart.
4. Cancellation:
● Authorised person accept plant back and can remove isolations etc.
● Plant is now returned to the control of the site.
