PERMIT TO WORK P.T.W MDPI/GOODWILL OIL AND GAS TRAINING.

PERMIT TO WORKP.T.W

MDPI/GOODWILL OIL AND GAS TRAINING


Learning Outcome• PURPOSE FOR A WORK PERMIT• OBJECTIVES OF A PERMIT TO WORK SYSTEM• PERMIT TO WORK SYSTEM• OPERATION OF THE PERMIT TO WORK

SYSTEM• CERTIFICATES AND SAFETY CHECKLISTS• THE CONTROL OF ISOLATIONS• HAZARDOUS AREA CLASSIFICATION• APPLICATION OF THE PTW SYSTEM


Failures of the System

• The Piper Alpha platform which exploded in a series of massive fire balls killing many of the people on board. Isolation Permit Failure

• The recent loss of the largest rig in the world in Brazil. Again lives were lost and a huge amount of money wasted. Confined Space Permit Failure


The Weakest Link

• The safety of any facility is only as sound as it’s weakest link.

• That link is, in almost all cases, lack of communication and misunderstanding.

• The “Permit to Work” system is designed to mitigate the dangers of that weak link and reduce the risk of accidents such as those above to as low as is reasonably possible.


PTW Systems• Most operators have a system already in place, some

extremely detailed and complex and some relatively simple, dependant on the type of operation

• This course describes a system that, when correctly applied by competent personnel, will control potentially hazardous work in such a way that it can be performed safely.

• This course is not to identify specifically when and where the PTW system should be applied. It remains the responsibility of the “Responsible Person” to to decide where, and under what circumstances, Permits to Work should be issued.


Purpose

• The personal safety of those doing the work

• The personal safety of others is not endangered by the work being done

• The overall safety and integrity of the vessel or structure is not put at risk


Objectives

• to ensure that all necessary steps are taken to provide a safe working environment;

• to ensure that everyone involved in the work is fully aware of the nature of the work, any potential hazards and how to carry it out in a safe manner;

• through these first objectives to prevent incidents, injury to personnel and damage to equipment or to the environment.


Elements of the System

• Audit • Authorisation • Communication• Competence• Co ordination‑ • Housekeeping

• Planning • Precautions • Supervision • Toolbox Talks• Training• Work Definition


UNDERSTAND– The work content and how it will be carried out;– The work environment and the problems associated

with it;– The potential hazards, and the precautions that are

required;– Their own responsibilities;– Any emergency actions that may be necessary should

problems arise.• OBEY– All of the requirements of the permit, to ensure the

continued safety of personnel and the installation.

Everyone associated with the job needs to:


Remember

A JOB IS NOT SAFE JUST BECAUSE A PERMIT HAS BEEN ISSUED. TO BE SAFE YOU MUST, AS A MINIMUM, UNDERSTAND AND APPLY THE HAZARD MANAGEMENT PROCESS.


Description of the System

• Permit to Work– A Permit to Work is a formal document used to control

work which has been identified as being potentially hazardous.

– It identifies the work to be carried out and the precautions to be taken, authorises the work and controls its completion.

• PTW Application– The PTW System is applied to control tasks at the

discretion of the “Responsible Person”.



• PTW System Certificates

– For some types of work formal documents are required to provide additional controls to those covered by the permit, e.g. isolation control.

– These controls are provided by the use of a set of certificates.

– A certificate on its own is not a permit to work and cannot be used to authorise work.



• PTW System Safety– To ensure that the correct precautions are applied

for certain potentially hazardous Checklists tasks, Standard Safety Checklists should be used.

– A Safety Checklist is used only to support a permit. – A Safety Checklist is not a Permit to Work and

cannot be used to authorize work.



• PTW Document Structure– There must be a clear relationship between permit

forms and other certificates and documents used in the PTW system.


Responsibilities• Senior managers – responsible for implementing the Permit to Work

System and ensuring line managers are trained and use the system as an accident prevention tool.

• Line managers such as supervisors, foremen, and leading hands – responsible for administering and maintaining the

Permit to Work System and seeing it is applied correctly and sequentially.


Responsibilities

• Safety Officers – responsible for the issuance of Work Permits

and monitoring the prevailing conditions while the permit is in force

• Employees – responsible for following the steps and actions

of the Permit to Work System to prevent accidents.


The System• The Work Permit with any attached instructions, in the form of

checklists or diagrams, is a written document authorising specific people to carry out particular jobs.

• The Permit to Work System on its own does not make the job safe.

• The safety of the job depends on the correct and safe behaviour of all those involved and their compliance of laid down procedures.

• The Work Permit provides a constant reminder of the correct procedure, and ensures that proper consideration is given to the potential risks before any work is commenced.


The effectiveness of the Permit to Work System

• Advanced planning, done in co-ordination with other necessary personnel

• Timely dissemination of information of work plans to all personnel associated with the work

• Retaining authority with one person for issue of work permits for work in hazardous areas

• Allowing only personnel covered by the permit to work in the areas, or on the equipment specified in the permit



• Clearly defining work areas and, where relevant, marking these with cautionary notices, e.g. Grit blasting, radiography.

• Keeping the time limit which is clearly stated on the permit

• Adequate and suitable protective clothing and equipment are provided for use

• All precautions to be taken are carefully checked and implemented



• Systems and equipment are made safe for people to work on

• Provision of extra personnel for safety monitoring, e.g. fire watcher

• No work is left in a condition which might endanger personnel, or which might effect the overall safety and integrity of the vessel or structure


Classifications / Types

• Cold Work– All work requiring a permit except hot

work, equipment disjointing, diving and electrical work.

• Hot Work– All work in hazardous or controlled

areas which involves, or may result in, an open flame or the production of a source of ignition.


Classifications/Types

• Equipment Disjointing– Breaking the integrity of a system is often

the highest risk part of the job. It is therefore controlled by a permit applied only to this task.

– When breaking integrity there is potential for release of flammable, toxic, corrosive or other harmful substances.

– This includes normally harmless substances, (e.g.) water, which may be under high pressure and/or temperature.


Classifications / Types

• Electrical– All work defined as requiring an Electrical PTW.

• Diving– All diving work should be covered by a Diving

Operations Permit.


Obtaining the Correct Permit

• If the task contains both hot and cold work– one permit is raised for the cold work content and

another for the hot work.• If the task contains electrical work and hot or

cold work, e.g. confined space entry, – the electrical content is covered by the Electrical

Permit and the other factors by the Hot and Cold Work Permits.

• If the work requires the physical breaking of containment – a separate Equipment Disjointing Permit is raised for

that part of the work.


Obtaining the Correct Permit

• If the work is so complex that the method statement divides it into a number of discrete tasks – a separate permit is required for each phase.

• If the work is spread over too large an area for a single Area Authority to be responsible for it, – a separate permit will be required for the work carried

out under each Area Authority. The boundary point must be clearly defined.


Procedure - Applying• The person applying must represent the

Performing Authority.– Normally either the Worksite Supervisor or a

person in line authority over him.• Enters:

– the work description; the installation and worksite– the planned start and finish dates and times for

the work, previous permit number, if applicable– name, signature, the date, the Company

Department or contractor he works for and the contact tel. no.

– identify in the YES/NO box if electrical work is required, including electrical isolation.


Procedure - Applying• The Performing Authority must ensure • installation and work descriptions are clear.• work described does not begin until the permit

has been approved, authorised and accepted. • NO WORK can be carried out without the

required signatures being on the permit.• there is a Worksite Supervisor for all periods

when work is carried out under the permit.


Procedure - Applying• the permit passes through each stage of the

permit process until it is cancelled when the work is complete, the permit is suspended or re authorised.‑

• then submits all copies of the permit and the supporting documents to the Authorised Signatory for review and approval.


The Authorized Signatory

• Completes the Task and No.Boxes, if appropriate, following discussion with the Worksite Supervisor. – he will ensure he understands the work planned and

therefore the protective equipment and supervision necessary.

• When continuous worksite presence by a rep of either the Asset Holder or the Performing Authority is required, this is identified.– Where continuous attendance of a Worksite Supervisor or

Asset Holder's representative is required, work must stop when the supervisor is not at the worksite.


The Authorized Signatory Cont.

• The hazardous area classification must be identified – must ensure that the Worksite Supervisor

understands the significance of the entry.


The Hazards Section

• Before completing this section the Authorised Signatory must – discuss and agree with the Performing Authority the

possible hazards and the special precautions necessary to perform the work safely.

– Method Statements and JSA’s are very useful aids at this point.

• The information included in this section must be clear and specific. – Entries like `Follow HSE Standards' are not acceptable.

The specific standard and the appropriate part of it must be identified


The Hazards Section• In addition, for a HOT WORK permit,

– the Authorised Signatory enters the precautions necessary to minimise the risk of fire and the gas testing frequency.

– Precautions will be indicated by ticks in the `Required' boxes. The `Check' boxes remain blank at this stage.

• The Authorised Signatory is responsible for:– agreeing in principle that the work may take place on the

equipment concerned.– ensuring that the work description is clear, complete and

correct.– agreeing worksite hazards, worksite preparations and safety

precautions.


Supporting Documents

• He completes this Box. – He must discuss and agree with the Performing Authority

whether additional supporting documents and/or certificates are required.

• He ticks the appropriate columns to indicate those required. – He is to ensure that the Performing Authority completes the

application section of any certificates required but not already attached to the permit.

• If electrical work is identified in “Work Description”– he must discuss and agree the appropriate electrical

documentation required with the “Responsible Person” who raises and approves the electrical documentation.


Supporting Documents• The Authorized Signatory is to ensure that the

numbers of all certificates are entered here and that all necessary certificates are attached to the permit.

• The 'Initial Checked' column is left blank at this stage.• When a Method Statement or JSA is attached to the

permit, – he is to ensure that he is satisfied with the contents. The

JSA or Method Statement then becomes part of the permit and is enforced by it.



• Where there is a requirement to `Break the integrity of a system' – an Equipment Disjointing Permit is to be raised prior to the

Hot or Cold Work Permit being approved.

• He is responsible for ensuring that all necessary preparations such as – isolation, depressuring, purging, cleaning, scaffolding or the

provision of special equipment have been identified and included on the permit and associated certificates.



• The Performing Authority must ensure– the personnel who sign permits on his behalf are

competent to discuss the contents of the permit with the Authorised Signatory.

– If the Asset Holder is not satisfied with the performance of a Performing Authority he must request that he be replaced.


Approval• The term 'Approval' means that the information has

been checked and accepted by the Authorised Signatory and that the work is agreed in principle.

• It does not mean that the work identified in the Work Description' can start.

• The permit requires the APPROVAL signature of the Authorised Signatory in the above box before worksite preparation" can start. – This may include valve isolation or the breaking of

containment in order to insert spades.


Approval• The Authorised Signatory indicates – the maximum period for which the permit will be valid. – Permits should not he approved for periods longer than is

necessary to complete the work.• THE MAXIMUM PERIOD FOR WHICH A COLD WORK PERMIT

CAN BE APPROVED IS 14 DAYS.• THE MAXIMUM PERIOD FOR WHICH A HOT WORK PERMIT

CAN BE APPROVED IS 7 DAYS.• He will refer to the planned work schedule in “Work

Description” when setting the validity period.• He communicates with any other departments or work

groups whose actions may be affected by, or have an effect on, the proposed work.


Approval• If electrical work is identified in the “Work Description” the

“Responsible Person” will also sign to agree the electrical work and documentation required.

• He must visit the worksite, together with the Performing Authority, to plan the work before authorising the permit.

• All 3 copies of the permit are held in the 'PLANNED' section of the permit issue point permit rack until the permit is required to be authorised by the Area Authority.


Release by Custodian

• Where the Authorised Signatory 'and Area Authority are not provided by the Asset Holder– the Asset Holder countersigns the permit in the following

box. – This ensures that the Asset Holder has authorised the work

to proceed, – and is able to identify any additional safety precautions

required.


Equipment Disjointing

• Where there is a requirement to `break the integrity of a system', disjoint plant or equipment– an Equipment Disjointing Permit is to be raised to cover this work – prior to the Hot or Cold Work Permit being approved.

• The applicant describes – accurately the equipment to be disjointed – the exact location. – Unique identification numbers must be quoted when these exist.– A site plan may also be attached. – All the information required to enable unique identification must be

entered clearly on the permit.


Equipment Disjointing• This box must – identify the type of disjointing required (spading,

blanking, line removal and blanking, for example) – and its exact location.

• A sketch will often be helpful. – If provided, it should be identified in this box.

• When Boxes these boxes have been completed– , the applicant submits all copies of the permit to the

Authorised Signatory for review and approval.


Protective Equipment• The Authorised Signatory is to complete this Box. – He will tick the appropriate boxes to indicate the

requirements for Personal Protective Equipment and other equipment required at the worksite.

– When a continuous worksite presence by a representative of the Asset Holder or the Performing Authority is required, this is to be identified.

• Where continuous attendance of a Worksite Supervisor or Asset Holder representative is required, work must stop when that identified supervision is not available at the worksite.


Protective Equipment• Where continuous presence is not required, the

Worksite Supervisor or the Asset Holder is to satisfy himself that the worksite is safe, – he may leave the worksite to perform other duties. – The Worksite Supervisor must visit the worksite as

frequently as is necessary to ensure that the conditions established by the permit are being maintained

– The Asset Holder's representative (normally represented by the Area Authority) should make such visits to the site as he considers necessary, depending on the potential hazards associated with the work.


Supporting Documents• The authorised signatory is to:– identify and agree the hazards.– identify in the YES/NO Box precautions required.– identify in the YES/NO Box precautions taken.– tick in the Reqd column certificates required.– ensure the certificate number is entered on the

Equipment Disjointing Permit.– attach associated documents to the Equipment

Disjointing Permit.


Worksite Preparations Cold, Hot and Equipment Disjointing Permits

• The next stage in the process is to carry out all preparations required to make the worksite safe for the work to start.

• – The original copy of the permit, with its supporting documents

attached, is removed from the `Planned' section of the permit rack and displayed at the proposed worksite.

– This stage involves physical preparations such as providing fire fighting equipment and barriers, and immediately before hot work or confined space entry commences, gas/ oxygen testing.

• Whilst worksite preparations are in progress the green and white copies of the permit are kept in the `Planned section of the permit rack.


Recording Worksite Preparations • When the requirements of each certificate covering worksite

preparations are met, – the `Initial checked' section on the Hot or Cold Work Permit is

initialled by the Area Authority.• For an Equipment Disjointing Permit,

– all `YES/NO' pairs must be completed.• Where valve isolation or equipment disjointing is required at a

location remote from the work, and under the control of a different Asset Holder, – the Area Authority obtains a copy of the Isolation Certificate or

Equipment Disjointing Permit, certifying that the other relevant isolation or disjointing is complete.

– These are kept together with the permit documentation at the permit issue point. The original of is retained at the permit issue point controlling the area where the isolation was carried out.


Acceptance by the Worksite Supervisor

• By signing the permit, the Worksite Supervisor confirms that he:– fully understands the work and precautions.– is to ensure that everyone engaged in the work is fully

briefed on the work and precautions necessary.– is to ensure that all precautions, including those on any

associated certificates, will be observed.– is to ensure that the permit is displayed at the worksite

whenever work is in progress.– is to ensure that no work takes place unless the permit is

authorised for that working period by the Area Authority.


Acceptance by the Worksite Supervisor

• By signing the permit, the Worksite Supervisor confirms that he:– is to ensure that the worksite and equipment affected by the work

have been left in a safe condition at each shift change. On completion or suspension of work, he will sign the permit to confirm this.

– is to stop work if the gas test required in Box 3 of the Hot Work Permit and/or the Confined Space Entry certificate are not carried out.

– is to return the permit and any associated certificates to the permit issue point whenever work stops for more than 4 hours and inform the Area Authority of his action.

– is to fully brief persons taking over responsibility at shift/crew change.


Authorization by Area Authority

• Before authorisation is given for work to start – he must ensure that: all of the precautions and instructions listed on

the permit have been carried out to his complete satisfaction.– all certificates and isolation tags are attached to the appropriate copies

of the permit and have been completed correctly. He initials the `Check' column on the work permit to indicate this.

– no other hazards have become evident or further precautions needed. If they have he is to amend the conditions on the permit or delay authorisation until the additional hazards have been removed.

– any required gas testing has been carried out with satisfactory results, and has been recorded in the Hot Work Permit and, if required, on the Confined Space Entry certificate.

– examine the worksite before the start of work to ensure that it is safe to work.


Authorisation by Area Authority

• EVEN WHEN QUALIFIED TO AUTHORISE A PERMIT FOR A PARTICULAR TASK, NO ONE MAY AUTHORISE A PERMIT FOR WORK FOR WHICH HE WILL BE THE WORKSITE SUPERVISOR

• THE APPROPRIATE BOXES MUST BE SIGNED BY DIFFERENT PERSONS.


Commencement of Work

• NO WORK MAY TAKE PLACE UNDER THE PERMIT UNTIL IT HAS BEEN ACCEPTED BY– THE WORKSITE SUPERVISOR; AND – THE AUTHORISED BY THE AREA AUTHORITY.


Commencement of Work • When the permit has been signed by both the Area

Authority and the Worksite Supervisor – the top worksite copy is handed to the Worksite

Supervisor together with the worksite copy of any associated certificates.

– The Work site Supervisor is responsible for ensuring that ‑the permit is displayed in an approved permit holder, at a prominent, safe position at the worksite.

– It remains there whilst work is being carried out.• NO WORK IS TO BE CARRIED OUT UNLESS AN AUTHORISED

PERMIT IS CLEARLY DISPLAYED AT THE WORKSITE.


Commencement of Work

• Following briefing of the workforce work may start.

• The green and white copies of the permit, together with copies of any associated certificates, – will be taken by the Area Authority to the permit issue

point – where they will be placed in the AUTHORISED section

of the permit rack.


Gas Testing • The Authorised Gas Tester• Authorised Gas Testers (AGT) are appointed by each

company. Before and during hot work, entry to confined spaces and excavations, an AGT must:

• when requested by any permit signatory, carry out gas tests as often as required on the Permit or Confined Space Entry certificate.

• sign the permit after carrying out a test when as a result of the tests he is satisfied there are no flammable or toxic hazards present.


Gas Testing • When required by a Hot Work Permit,

– an initial gas test is to be carried out in the area affected by the proposed work,

– IMMEDIATELY prior to permit authorisation.• The AGT carries out gas tests

– under the direction of the Area Authority responsible for authorising the permit, who brings the PINK and GREEN copies of the permit to the worksite for signature.

• If worksite preparations are in progress – the worksite copy of the permit will be displayed already at the

worksite.• IT IS THE GAS TESTER'S RESPONSIBILITY TO ENSURE THAT HIS

INSTRUMENTS HAVE A VALID CALIBRATION AND ARE FUNCTIONING CORRECTLY BEFORE CARRYING OUT THE TESTS.


Gas Testing • If gas or other potentially explosive / flammable

concentrations are found – the worksite supervisor of the team due to carry out

the hot work, and – the Area Authority, is informed.

• No source of ignition is to be allowed to enter the affected area.


Gas Testing • Both the copies of the Hot Work Permit are to be

handed back to the Area Authority who determines the cause and arranges to take whatever action is necessary to make the facility safe. All copies of the permit are returned to the planned section of its permit rack and repeat gas tests are performed until the area is considered safe for work.

• When the Gas Tester and Area Authority are satisfied that the area is safe for hot work, the pink and green copies are removed from the planned section of the permit rack.


Gas Testing • If the Authorised Gas Tester is satisfied he will tick

the `SAFE' box for the hot work to proceed and enter the time and result of the test, followed by his signature, in the spaces provided on the Hot Work Permit Form.

• Work is not to proceed unless the permit has been accepted by the Worksite Supervisor and authorised by the Area Authority.


Gas Testing • If the gas tests are not carried out in accordance with the

requirements of the Hot Work Permit the Worksite Supervisor is to suspend all work and return the permit to the Area Authority.

• • If gas testing indicates it is not safe to work, the Authorised Gas

Tester must IMMEDIATELY instruct the Worksite Supervisor to stop work, tick the `UNSAFE' box and enter the time and result of the test and return the permit to the Area Authority so that the permit can be cancelled.

• • If a hazardous atmosphere is found at any time the permit

must be cancelled.


Gas/Oxygen Testing for Confined Space Entry

• When the permit includes confined space entry– the work area is to be tested to ensure that it is free

from flammable/ toxic vapours, and • is within required limits for oxygen

concentration

• IMMEDIATELY prior to authorisation of the permit.



• If oxygen deficiency or unacceptable concentrations of other hazardous gases are found, – the Area Authority and the Worksite Supervisor of the

team due to enter the confined space must be informed.• All copies of the work permit, including certificates, – will be handed back to the Area Authority who must take

the necessary action to make the facility safe for the proposed entry.

• All permit documentation – will be returned to the planned section of the permit rack

and repeat gas tests taken until the confined space is safe for entry.



• When the Gas Tester and Area Authority are satisfied the confined space is safe for entry, – all copies of the work permit, including certificates, are to be

removed from the planned section of the permit rack.

• The Authorised Gas Tester will – enter the result in the appropriate Box of the Confined

Space Entry certificate, – with the time of the test and his signature.



• The permit must be – accepted by the Worksite Supervisor and – authorised by the Area Authority before personnel

can enter the confined space.• If the gas tests are not carried out in accordance

with the requirements of the Confined Space Entry certificate, – the Worksite Supervisor must suspend all work and– return the permit to the Area Authority.


Additional Gas Tests • Additional gas test records and re validation for ‑

confined space entry – must be recorded, – normally on the reverse side of a Confined Space Entry

certificate.

• If flammable or toxic gases or oxygen outside the prescribed limits are found at any stage, the Permit

and Confined Space Entry certificate must be CANCELLED.


Additional Gas Tests

• Additional gas test records and re validation ‑for confined space entry – must be recorded, – normally on the reverse side of a Confined Space

Entry certificate.

• If flammable or toxic gases or oxygen outside the prescribed limits are found at any stage,

the Permit and Confined Space Entry certificate must be CANCELLED.

Date post:	28-Mar-2015
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