3.9 Role And Function Of A Permit-to-Work System

Question 1

Nebosh Learning Outcome 2016

3.9 Explain the role and function of a permit-to-work system.

Answer 1

3.9 Role and function of a permit-to-work system
- Meaning of a permit-to-work system
- Role and function
- Operation and application of a permit-to-work system
- Circumstances in which a permit to work system may be appropriate, with reference to: hot work, work on electrical systems, machinery maintenance, confined spaces, work at height.

Question 2

In what circumstance would a permit-to-work be appropriate.

Answer 2

• Work on electrical systems.
• Machinery maintenance.
• Working at height.
• Confined spaces.
• Hot works.
  Are but a few example where a permit-to-work is needed.

Question 3

Explain the role of a permit-to-work

Answer 3

A permit-to-work is a procedure that provides a specialist type of (safe system of work) in environments that are potentially very dangerous (e.g. chemical plants and confined spaces). Certain defined operations and activities are expressly prohibited without stringent safety checks and control procedures in place to ensure all necessary precautions have been take and specific permissions obtained to say that it is safe for work to go ahead.

Question 4

There are eight principles that apply to a permit-to-work. Name as many as you can.

Answer 4

• Hazards should be eliminate thereby eliminating the need for a permit-to-work
• overall responsibility for ensuring safe operations rest with the site manager
• the permit supersedes all other instruments until cancelled
• the permit applies to everyone on site
• information in a permit must be detailed and accurate
• the permit remains in force until the work is done or the permit is cancelled
• no work other than that specific is authorised
• responsibility for plant must be clearly defined

Question 5

Name 5 items listed in a Permit-to-work

Answer 5

• the date time and duration of the permit
• a description and assessment of the task to be performed and its location
• the plant/equipment involved, and how it is identified
• the authorised persons to do the work
• the steps which have already been taken to make the plant safe
• potential hazards that remain, or which may arise as the work proceeds
• the precautions to be taken against these hazards
• the action to be taken prior to the task starting
• the equipment to be used by those doing the work

Question 6

Key principles in permit to work systems
(NOTE)
The issue of a permit does not, by itself, make a job safe

Answer 6

• Roles and responsibilities - is it clear who is in charge, and who does what - with no important gaps or overlaps?
• If the job cannot be finished in one shift, ensure that it will be left in a safe state and that clear instructions are available for the next shift
• The Permit should contain all relevant information, be correct, and presented in a suitable format (e.g. not overly complex or ambiguous, a single-sided A4 permit might suffice)
• Ensure end-user involvement in the design of the permit system, and the document design process
• Communicate all relevant information (including hazards and controls) to all personnel involved
• Ensure that other people are aware of what maintenance staff are doing and vice versa
• If there are a number of permits, they should be displayed at an appropriate location, in a systematic arrangement that enables staff to check which equipment is e.g. isolated or undergoing maintenance
• Make links between related permits – consider simultaneous tasks and interdependent activities
• Consider the balance between communicating ‘routine’ safety information on a Permit (e.g. PPE, housekeeping), and issues specific to the task in hand, including process safety information where relevant
• The permit system should have a process for hand-over of plant on completion of work
• Train all users in the PTW system and provide information to other persons affected by it
• Make arrangements to manage non-compliance e.g. where there may be overload of permits at the beginning of a shift
• Plan work to smooth out the distribution of PTWs, or provide more PTW authorisers at busy times
• If you are considering introducing an electronic permit system, assess the risks from the changeover from a paper-based system.
• Use good interface design, and train personnel in the PTW process, not just use of the software interface. See HSG250, p.16.
• Ensure effective management and review of the work permit system