Safe Systems of Work and Permit-to-Work Systems Flashcards
What is the legal requirement for Safe Systems of Work and where would you find this requirement?
HSWA - Section 2
“It shall be the duty of every employer to ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, the health, safety and welfare at work of all his employees”
“Without prejudice to the generality of an employer’s duty under the preceding subsection, the matters to which that duty extends include in particular: to provide and maintain plant and systems of work that are, so far as is reasonably practicable, safe and without risks to health”
Describe the meaning of a Safe System of Work
A safe system of work is one where the work is organised in a logical and methodical manner so as to remove the hazards or minimize the risks.
The term is not defined in legislation but the HSE have given a useful working definition.
“A safe system of work is a formal procedure which results from systematic examination of a task in order to identify all the hazards. It defines safe methods to ensure that hazards are eliminated or risks minimized”
When developing a practical safe working system, what must adequate provision be made for?
Safe design of plant and equipment
Safe installation of plant and machinery
Safe maintenance of plant, equipment and premises
Safe use of plant, equipment and tools through proper training and supervision
Documented, planned maintenance procedures
Safe working environment
Adequate and competent supervision
Trained and competent employees
Proper enforcement of the safety policy and associated rules
Adequate personal protection for vulnerable employees
Documented procedures for the issue of protective clothing
Dissemination of H&S information to all the employees
Regular reviews (not less than once a year) of all job safety instructions and methods of work
What are the components of a safe system of work?
People
Equipment
Materials
Environment
When is a safe system of work required?
A safe system of work is needed when hazards cannot be physically eliminated and some element of risk remains.
Cleaning and maintenance operations
Making changes to work layouts, materials or working methods
Employees working away from base or working alone
Breakdowns or emergencies
Controlling activities of contractors on your premises
Loading, unloading and movement of vehicles
When is a permit-to-work system required?
A procedural way of taking every precaution possible is to institute a permit-to-work system. This is a management system that is supported by, and makes use of, permits-to-work, which are formal documents specifying the work to be done, hazards and the precautions to be taken.
The permit provides a clear written record, signed by a responsible manager or supervisor, that all foreseeable hazards have been considered and all the necessary actions have been taken.
It must be in possession of the person in charge of the work before work can commence.
What is a permit-to-work?
A formal written document of authority to undertake a specific procedure and is designed to protect personnel working in hazardous areas or activities.
Permits are used for high risk activities that require complex precautions and clear communication of additional controls.
They are also frequency used where operations are non-routine, or if new hazards are introduced and require communication.
List and explain the four sections of a permit to work
ISSUE
The controls that must be implemented for the work to take place are defined. The permit is issued by an authorized person.
RECEIPT
The workers sign onto the permit to signal that they accept the conditions of the permit and understand the hazards and control measures detailed in it
CLEARANCE/RETURN TO SERVICE
Once the work is complete the workers sign to say they have finished and are leaving the job site to allow normal work to resume, usually also indicating whether the work is complete or not.
CANCELLATION
Control of the work area is accepted back by the issuer and the permit is cancelled. Extensions may be granted if additional time is required to complete the work.
What jobs are likely to require a permit-to-work system?
Working in confined spaces
Hot work on plant containing flammable dusts, liquid, gases or their residues
Cutting into pipework containing hazardous substances
Work on electrical equipment
List the essential features of a permit-to-work system
PERMITS SHOULD:
Define the work to be done
Say how to make the work area safe
Identify any remaining hazards and the precautions to be taken
Describe checks to be carried out before normal work can be resumed
Name the person responsible for controlling the job
What initial steps should be taken before work begins?
Electrical or mechanical isolation of plant
Isolation of the machine or equipment area
Locking or blanking off of water, steam, acid, gas, solvent and compressed air supplies
Erection of scaffolding
Provision of temporary guards to make the job safe
What basic elements should be included on the permit form design?
Permit title Permit number Job location Plant identification Description of work to be done & limits Hazard identification Precautions necessary Protective equipment Authorization signature Acceptance signature Extension/Shift hand-over signature Hand-back signature Cancellation
List and explain the basic principles of operation that need to be observed for the operation of an effective permit to work system
Hazard evaluation
This involves recognizing every type of hazard which may be encountered, and then devising the means of eliminating or overcoming them.
Precaution planning
All planning association with the permit must be carried out by a competent person who should have sufficient, detailed knowledge of the hazards of the process or plant that he can formulate the plan properly. The person must have the necessary position of authority for his or her instructions to be recognized and complied with. He should have adequate knowledge of the legal requirements, and of technical terms as they apply to the permit to work system.
Instructing the supervisors
Those people responsible for the work should be carefully briefed by the person issuing the permit. The instructions in the permit must be fully understood, and this is best achieved by direct questions and answers to supplement the written word.
Issuing the permit
The permit, which should be completed and signed by the issuer, must be given to the person in charge of the work who signs for it. Sufficient copies must also be given to plant or site management and supervisory staff who may be involved, especially where they need to be kept informed of work progress. An additional copy of the permit should be exhibited during the time it remains in force.
Monitoring the permit
A permit to work system is only as good as the people who design, implement and monitor its application and so can be easy to defeat. Monitoring is therefore a crucial element. Regular monitoring is essential to ensure: Full and accurate completion of the documentation, including signing off and that the safe work practices specified in the permit are complied with.
Explain the general application of a permit to work system when used for electrical equipment and supplies
Any work on substation equipment MUST be covered by a permit to work system if safe working conditions are to be ensured and ANY electrical work should only be carried out by a qualified electrician.
Explain the general application of a permit to work system when used for machinery
The biggest risk to maintenance workers is machinery starting up while work is in progress.
Motive power needs to be isolated and unable to be reconnected without specific authority
