PURPOSE
• Ensure that all the routine / non-routine work in refinery premises is properly authorised.
• Make the person/s doing the work fully understand/s the hazards.
• Risks involved and the precautions to be taken.
• Ensure that the person responsible for the operation area is fully aware of the work.
• Provide a written record to show that the method of work or job safety analysis.
• Ensure that a second opinion is obtained, to prevent errors of judgment or taking of
short-cuts which may Increase the risk.
SCOPE of Cold Work Permit
The Cold Work Permit shall be issued for all the routine, non-routine maintenance
and inspection jobs that do not involve equipment or materials producing flames or
heat or classified as a source of ignition. Cold Work Permit is required in the
Process, Utilities and Oil Movement areas and all other areas of refinery including
buildings, offices etc
ISSUANCE OF COLD WORK PERMIT
Cold Work Permit shall be initiated by the operations or the authority
requesting work and contain the following information.
• Name of the Department, Section or contractor doing the work
• Type of work, and limits of the work area.
• Is Job site visit carried out by Originating and Accepting Authorities?
• Date and time of permit validity.
• Actions/Conditions, Safety equipment's/clothing required and Residual
hazards.
• Any further special steps to be taken.
• Gas test results (if require).
• Signature & P. No. of the Originating Authority.
• Signature & P. No. of the Area Operator.
• A permit issued for certain duration (max. eight hours) may be extended by the
Originating Authority.
• The permit shall be prepared in triplicate and distributed.
• The original first copy to be held by the representative of the area/office.
• The second copy is for HSE.
• The third hard copy is given to the Accepting Authority and Preferably displayed
at work site in a clear plastic permit cover.
SUPERVISION OF THE WORKING CONDITIONS
The person authorizing the permit, or his representative, shall stand by when work is
started and satisfy himself that no hazards are present and that work can proceed
safely.
• SECTION-A (ACTION & CONDITION LIST)
• Filled by the Originating Authority of the permit with the coordination of the
Area Operator.
• They will check whether the equipment on which job to be performed is
depressurized or drained.
• The equipment is isolated mechanically or blinded.
• If Electrical Isolation of Electric equipment is done through Electrical Isolation
permit, then its No. will be mentioned.
• If any chemical is involved in the job, MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet) will be
provided.
• If a JSA is required for the job, it will be mentioned over the permit.
• SECTION-B (SAFETY EQUIPMENTS & CLOTHING REQUIRED):
• The Originator will fill the section B. If any PPE required other than the list.
• Wear appropriate eye and face protection devices in a hazardous environment.
• Face shield will be used while; Working on pressurized lines or equipment's or
handling chemicals or performing welding.
• SECTION-C (RESIDUAL HAZARDS):
• The Originator will fill this section and identify if there is any hazard present
near the job.
• The surrounding area of job has high noise, chance of falling objects from the
height.
• Radioactive source is present near the job site, job will be performed at
height.
• Moving machinery is present near the job site, toxic gas or chemical may be
present around the job site.
• Steam/hot or cold surfaces are present near the job site).
GAS TESTING
• If gas test is required for the job, it will be done by the Area Operator.
• Uses Multi-Gas meter to make sure that there are no HC,NH3,H2S or Chlorine present at
the work place.
CANCELLATION/ CLOSING / COMPLETION OF PERMIT
• After the completion of work, the Performers will do the housekeeping inform to area
operator.
• While he is satisfied with the job, Originating Authority will sign off the permit
• In case of Emergency Alarm (except routine alarm testing) all permits on the plant site
will be suspended automatically.
• After ‘All Clear’ alarm new permits will be issued for every job.
• If the shift time is over before completion of the work coming originating shall
revalidate the work permit.
• The job should not be stopped.
• In case the work conditions change, the permit may be cancelled.
• In case unsafe condition area operator, HSE or the Originating Authority can stop or
cancel the work permit.
VALIDITY
• In general, the Cold Work permit is issued for 24 hours (0600-0600 hrs.).
• So at the end of the shift the job should not be stopped.
• Visit and the revalidation shall be carried out within 60 minutes of the start of the shift.
PRECAUTIONARY STEPS
• The Originating & Accepting Authorities will visit the job site
• Originating Authority will fill the Work Permit action and Condition list.
• The Performer will sign the permit and permit will be given to the area operator
• If blinding of the piping of equipment i.e. pumps, vessels and compressors etc. is
required, then it will be done through another work permit.
• If gas test is required for the job (e.g. job near Chlorine, Ammonia Cylinders,
Hydrogen Sulphide area) then Area operator will carry out the gas test.
• should be done just before the start of the job (01 hr maximum).
