Permit To Work
Common Questions

Common Questions

Key Points

What are the key issues which must be addressed in the operation of a permit systems?

Who is authorised to issue permits
Who is authorised to receive permits
What will be the procedure if a task extends over more than one shift? Will the permit be revoked and re-issued or extended?
How will the fact that a permit task is going on be communicated?
Is training required for those staff working under the permit system?
How will the permit system be monitored and audited?

What Major Hazards could arise?

Wrong type of work permit used;
Wrong information about work required on the work permit;
Failure to recognise the hazards where work is carried out (e.g. flammable substances);
Introduction of ignition source in controlled flameproof area (e.g. welding, non spark-proof tools, non-intrinsically safe equipment used in intrinsically safe zones);
Terms of work permit not adhered to (e.g. failure to isolate plant and/or drain lines of hazardous substances);
Failure to hand-over plant in safe condition on completion of work/cancelling of work permit;
Unauthorised staff performing work permit functions;
Poor management of the work permit system; and
Insufficient monitoring of the work permit system.

What contributory factors does an assessor need to consider concerning the Work Permit System?

Whether staff have been sufficiently informed, instructed, trained and supervised to minimise a potential human failing during operation of the work permit system;
Whether the work permit system includes sufficient safety information, maintenance instructions, correct PPE and equipment for use;
Whether the work permit contains sufficient information about the type of work required (Equipment removal, excavation, hot/cold work, repairing seals, vessel entry, waste disposal, isolation);
Whether there is sufficient provision available to fulfil the requirements of the work permit system;
Whether the employees responsible for control of the maintenance work are identified within the work permit system and that the work is properly authorised by a responsible person;
Whether the work permit system is managed, regularly inspected and reviewed;
Whether all work permits are kept on file;
Human factors (stress, fatigue, shift work, attitude);
Whether sufficient precautions are taken prior to initiating a work permit (isolation, draining, flushing, environmental monitoring, risk assessments, communication, time allotted for the work);
Whether staff are aware of the type of environment they are working in during the operation of a work permit (flammable, corrosive, explosive, zones 0, 1 & 2, electricity supplies);
Whether the person responsible for operating the plant is aware of the type of maintenance involved and how long it is likely to take; and
Whether the work permit system involves a formal procedure whereby the maintained plant or equipment is handed back to operation.

What are the general principles of a permit to work system?

The following aspects should be considered with respect to Permit to Work Systems:

Human factors;
Management of the work permit systems;
Poorly skilled work force;
Unconscious and conscious incompetence;
Objectives of the work permit system;
Types of work permits required; and
Contents of the work permits.

Permit To Work Common Questions

Permit To Work
Common Questions