0
Q
activities that need a permit to work
A
- confined space
- certain electrical systems
- maintenance of specific plant - hazardous materials
- flammable atmosphere - hot work
1
Q
permit to work is…..
A
- a way of formalising a ssow
- considered for any task of temporary nature, where there is a high level of risk concerned with complex precautions (inc coorindation of activities & special communications)
- fulfils the need for a SSOW to be in place for high risk situations (eg - guards being removed also when new or unusual hazards are introduced)
- authority to undertake specific procedures
- it is designed to protect personnel working in hazardous environments
2
Q
factors to be considered when setting up a permit to work scheme
A
- what the permit covers (clear parameters) - tasks to be performed, legal requirements, personal responsibilities - identify key personnel and specific requirements
- selection, training & competence of personal (assessment, records & certification, who is responsible for risk assessing and monitoring)
- what the permit prescribes - validity of conditions , emergency procedures, the task, hand back conditions once completed
- how the work should be co ordinated and maintained
3
Q
possible weaknesses in a permit to work system
- culture
- misunderstanding
- operational weakness
A
culture = overuse of PTW / weakness in design / completion of permit not specific to the task / not cross referenced with existing systems / ambiguous language
misunderstanding = inadequate risk assessment / precautions are not clearly stated / emergency situations not covered
operational weakness = lack of authorised competent persons to control the system / unclear roles & responsibilities / inadequate isolation & lock of procedure / poor procedures for hand back / poor communication / poor training
