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Many
companies often issue several permits to work in different areas, which is why it's
important to have processes in place for managing permits to work.
One of the best ways to streamline permit to work management is by using a permit
to work software. In this guide, we're going to discuss permit to work management
in detail, including guidelines, authorized parties, and the best software to use.
SECTION 2
Why would you need a Permit to Work system?
A permit to work involves procedures that authorise certain people to carry out
specific work within a specified time frame. It sets out the precautions required
to complete the work safely, based on a HSE risk assessment and is therefore a core
element of safe systems of work.
The permit-to-work form is a written and signed statement resulting from the work
safety procedure, ensuring both the establishment of safe conditions for work to
commence and the maintenance of safe conditions for the duration of the work,
including the provision of emergency arrangements. It's generally considered a safe
system of work for the job task, which prevents instructions from being missed
and/or misinterpretation of instructions.
Permit to work forms can also serve as a checklist and a training document to
ensure that all hazards, protective measures, work instructions and general
requirements have been reviewed and understood by the assigned workers.
SECTION 3
What is a permit to work used for?
A permit to work is used to identify the work to be completed in the following
areas:
Permits to work are important as they ensure that all parties are aware of the
risks, especially employees who will work on the job. It's also important that they
know the steps taken by the authorities to reduce the risks, and understand any
emergency procedures.
SECTION 4
Who can issue a Permit to Work?
Permits should be issued, checked, and signed off by someone who is competent to do
so, and who is not involved in undertaking the work.
When to apply for a permit (how many hours before the work is started?)
Where to get a permit?
How to fill it out?
How many copies are needed?
Who gets copies?
Who must be informed of the work?
What to do with the permit when work is stopped or completed?
3. Define responsibilities, for example:
SECTION 5
Permit to Work Hazards
A permit to work should be used when there is danger from any of the following
hazards:
Fire
Sparks from open flames, welding, cutting, furnaces, etc.
Explosive, corrosive, or toxic gases or atmospheres
Pressure systems
Steam or other hot materials (burns)
Electricity and other energy sources
Accidental start-up of mechanical equipment
Oxygen deficiency or oxygen enrichment
Suffocation or drowning (for example, in bulk material bins or solvent storage
tanks)
Restricted access, exit and movement
Toxic substances
Radioactive materials
Lasers
Temperature extremes
Any other recognized serious safety or health hazard
What are the different types of Permit to Work?
The different types of permit include:
Hot Work Permits - issued for work that requires, involves, or results in heat
generation that is sufficient to ignite gases, vapours, or dusts, and may post a
fire hazard. Some examples are welding, flame cutting, and metal drilling.
Safety Permits - issued when work involves steam, water, air, or electricity.
Safety permits are also needed when repair or maintenance work requires the locking
out of energy sources.
Entry Permits - used when workers are required to enter and work in confined spaces
such as silos (manufacturing of cereals), tanks or pits. This type of permit is
often combined with the other permits listed here, depending upon the nature of the
work to be carried out in the confined space.
Unique Permits - issued when work involves hazardous conditions such as working
near radioactive materials, working at heights, or carrying out other specialized
work.
General Permits - issued for highly hazardous jobs of a more general nature that
are not covered by any of the permits described above.
SECTION 6
Permit to Work Guidelines
For the permit to work to achieve its aims and fulfil its purpose, it needs to
cover all the legal requirements and essential points, control the risk
sufficiently and clearly set out the procedures in place. Here are some guidelines
to follow: