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.