WORK PERMIT SYSTEM

WHAT IS A WORK PERMIT SYSTEM?

A permit-to-work (PTW) system is a written procedure to ensure that work
does not start until a responsible person has given permission for it to
proceed. PTW are part of a safe system of work and are normally used when
the potential risk is high it details who may do the work and what precautions
must be taken.
FUNCTIIO OF THE WORK PERMIT SYSTEM
A PTW supports a safe system of work when it is necessary to:
Prohibit certain defined operations without the specific permission of a
responsible manager
To carry out stringent checks before permitting a task to be carried out
To ensure that the people carrying out the task take responsibility for
following and maintaining the safeguards
To be very specific about the work that can be done and timescale.


TYPES OF WORK PERMIT
There are various types of PTW, these include:
Cold work permits
Electrical permits to work
Permits to work on pressurized systems
Asbestos removal permits
Permits to work on overhead cranes
Permits to excavate
Working at height permits
Permits to enter confined spaces
Hot work permits

ELEMENTS OF A WORK PERMIT
A PTW will usually contain:
A description and assessment to the task to be performed (including the
plant involved and the possible hazards)
Detail on any requirements to isolate sources of energy and inlets
Information on precautions required (e.g. atmospheric monitoring, PPE,
emergency equipment)
The signatures of the person authorizing the work and those
responsible for the work
A signing off section i.e. when the work has been completed the person
responsible for the work will indicate that the area has been made safe
in order for the permit to be cancelled by the authorized person, after
which isolations can be removed.
WORK PERMIT PRINCIPLES
An effective PTW system need to be well organized, implemented correctly
and monitored. Competent persons need to be made responsible for operating
and running the system, and system users need to be involved in developing
the system so that it is accepted and works effectively. Permit paperwork
must be designed to be clear, effective and simple to use. Persons who issue
permits, work under them, and monitor them to be competent, training must
be given if necessary. The organization must ensure that sufficient resources
are made to run the system in a safe and efficient manner.