BRITISH SAFETY COUNCIL

International Diploma in Occupational Safety

and Health

“Raising Standards, Saving Lives”

 BRITISH SAFETY COUNCIL

1A7 Safe Systems of Work

Key Learning Points:

• Definitions and terminology

• Safe systems of work
• Permits to work – development and
operation

“Raising Standards, Saving Lives”

 Interpretations – What is a SSOW?

A method of doing the job in a safe way:

• Safe Operating Procedures

• Work Instructions

• Method Statements

• Etc

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 Safe System of Work as a Control Measure

Developed from Risk Assessment Findings

• Hazards fully identified

• Precautions to be taken
• Tools and Equipment
• Procedural systems to follow
• Training and supervision requirements
• Requirements for Personal Protection

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 Method Statements

Procedural Document

• Description and sequence of work

• Names of supervisors
• Control measures and monitoring arrangements
• Environmental controls
• First Aid and PPE
• Emergency procedures

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 Job Safety Analysis

Technique for investigating hazards within a task:

• Break the job down into simple steps

• List the steps in a logical sequence
• Examine each step for potential hazards

The objective is to remove the hazards if possible

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 Job Safety Analysis –In Practice

Develop a simple 10-step JSA…..

e.g. Boil an egg, change a wheel etc

Step Description Tools Potential Precautions

no. used injury / ill
health
1
 Job Safety Analysis

Technique for investigating hazards within a task

Developing a SSOW using Job Safety Analysis (JSA)

S elect the task to be studied

R ecord the steps in the process
E xamine the components of the task
D evelop the safe system
I nstall the safe system
M aintain the safe system
 Permit to Work

Formal, written control system as part of a safe system of

work for higher hazard activities. E.g:

•Confined spaces
•Fire / Explosion risks
•Toxic fumes / lack of oxygen
•Electrical systems
•Hot works (welding / cutting)
•Machinery maintenance

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 Permit to Work

Fully documented system detailing all precautions

•Isolation
•Protective clothing and equipment
•Atmospheric monitoring
•Emergency equipment and procedures

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 Permit to Work – Essential Elements

• Permit title and number

• Location of job and plant identification
• Description of work
• Hazards and precautions
• Authorisation and acceptance
• Extension / handover / hand-back
• Cancellation

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 BRITISH SAFETY COUNCIL

1A7 Safe Systems of Work - Summary

Key Learning Points:

• Definitions and terminology

• Safe systems of work
• Permits to work – development and
operation

“Raising Standards, Saving Lives”