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A closer look at Work Permits

• October 16th, 2007

Work Permits defined

A Work Permit is a written form giving authorization to jobs that can expose employees to serious Hazards & Risks in the Workplace.

It identifies the work to be done, what the Hazards to be encountered in this task are, and the preparations and precautions needed according to the job to be performed.

Examples of jobs needing Work Permits are: employees entering confined spaces to perform certain tasks, repairing, maintaining and inspecting electrical installations or using large complex equipment.

Why use a Work Permit?

A Work Permit should be used when there is a chance of the employees’ Health & Safety being seriously in danger. The permit serves as a check-list to ensure that all the necessary Hazards, Risks and other factors have been identified.

When is a Work Permit needed?

A Work Permit is used when there is danger from:

- Fire

- Explosives, corrosive or toxic gases or atmospheres

- Steam or other hot materials (burns)

- Accidental start-up of mechanical equipment

- Suffocation or drowning (eg. Bulk material bins or solvent storage tanks)

- Toxic substances

- Radio-active materials

- Temperature extremes

Examples of Permits:

Hot work permits: Issued for work using or generating heat that is sufficient to ignite gases, vapours, dust, etc. eg. Arc welding, flame cutting or metal drilling.

Safety work permits: Issued when work involves steam, water, air or electricity. Also when repair or maintenance work must be carried out especially where energy sources are present.

Entry permits: Used when employees are required to enter and work in confined spaces such as silos, tanks or pits. They are often combined with the other permits.

Unique permits: Issued when work involves hazardous conditions such as working near radioactive materials or working on heights.

General permits: Issued for highly hazardous tasks of a more general nature that are not covered by any of the abovementioned permits.

Information to include in your Work Permit:

* Name(s) of employee(s)

* Exact work location

* Work to be done

* Date and time the work is to start and end

* Identified Hazards

* Preparatory requirements such as testing, machinery to be locked-out, etc.

* Correct sequence of procedures

* Personal protective equipment (PPE)

* Emergency equipment needed

* Telephone number to call for help and location of nearest phone

* Signature(s) of authorized person(s)

* Signature(s) of employee(s) indicate understanding of hazards involved & precautions

* Date and time the permit is issued

Key elements of a successful Work Permit system:

• Make sure the permit system is clear and understood by all parties involved – give training

• Keep it simple

• DON’T ALLOW WORK TO START WITHOUT A PERMIT!

• Issue the permit once the job should be done – not too long before the time and also not a crisis management situation leaving out important criteria on the form due to haste

• Ensure the permit is job specific.

• The signature is the last to appear on the form and only once ALL other sections have been completed in full. The signer of the permit must have appropriate authority and qualifications. Other signatories to the permit could include the supervisors, SHEQ representative and operator.

• Only issue a permit when necessary – do not over use the system.

• Maintain control over the work permit system ensuring that it is followed correctly and that it is effective. This can be achieved through:

- Inspections

- Spot checks

- Reviews

- Audits

- Investigation after an incident

• Questions & answers to the respective parties involve to assess understanding and competence.

Once again, your Work Permit documentation and records system can provide valuable insight should it be necessary in a Court of Law – ensure it is accurate and complete and well stored and retrievable.

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