We were recently approached by one of our clients who wanted us to review the permit to work system on site, it’s effectiveness and the competency of the individuals responsible for issuing and working within the remit of the permit to work system. Following the review we developed and delivered a bespoke permit to work training package to all relevant personnel on site.
So what is a permit to work system and why do we need one?
A permit to work system is a formal written procedure which is designed to give greater control over tasks that involve inherently higher risks. It sets out the precautions required to complete the work safely, based on a risk assessment. The kind of tasks which would fall under the remit of a permit to work system might include but not limited to;
- Contractor Working
- Hot Work
- Working In Confined Spaces
- Working at Height / Roof Work
- Working with Hazardous Substances
- Live Electrical Equipment
- Excavation
The proper planning, communication between management, supervisors, operators and those who carry out the work is essential if the permit to work system is to be effective. Monitoring and auditing to ensure safe system of work are being followed is also vital. Consideration of the human factor aspects of permit to work systems including competence, communication and procedures can be found here on the HSE website.
So what are some of the reasons for the failure of a permit to work system?
There are many reasons why a permit to work system might fail but some examples may include;
- Permits are not completed accurately or fully
- Poor handwriting making content illegible
- Gap between procedures and practice e.g contractors leaving site without signing permits
- Permits filled in from memory and without proper consideration of the hazards and risks associated with the job. The task should be evaluated in detail and a suitable and sufficient risk assessment cannot be documented completed in an office.
- Complacency – the system or procedure has been working without problems or failure for a long time – the act of carrying out the procedure may become less rigorous due to a dangerous belief that because something has been correct on all previous occasions there is no reason why it should not be this time. The result is that people often tick boxes to agree that something has been done or is in place without actually checking.
- Terms of work permit not adhered to (e.g. failure to isolate plant);
- Failure to hand-over plant in safe condition on completion of work / cancelling of work permit;
- Unauthorised staff performing work permit functions or lack of permit to work training
- Lack of communication between shifts for ongoing work
- Poor management of the work permit system
- Insufficient monitoring of the work permit system
The HSE has produced a guidance document on permit to work systems for the petroleum, allied and chemical industries. This guide provides some relevant information on the implementation and management of permit to work systems in all industries.
Information on permits and isolation can be found here.
If you would details of our permit to work training or if you would like us to review your permit to work system, please do not hesitate to contact us.