PERMIT TO WORK SYSTEM

OBJECTIVES
• To ensure that all necessary steps are taken to provide a
safe working environment
• To ensure that everyone in the work is fully aware of
potential hazards , the nature of the work and how to carry
it out in a safe manner
• Through the first objective , to prevent accidents, injury to
personnel and damage to equipment or to the environment
• To develop an effective permit to work system
 WHY USE A PERMIT ?
• The scale of the risks
– death , serious injury
• Unusual risks are present
– outside the normal knowledge and experience of those carrying out the work
• Complex isolations are necessary
– power sources, services or supplies
• Special precautions are required
– Atmospheric testing, specialist equipment
• Unfamiliarity of personnel
– contractors
 LEGISLATIVE
REQUIREMENT
 PERMIT TO WORK SYSTEM
LEGISLATIVE REQUIREMENT
(OSHA 94)
• It shall be the duty of every employer and self
employed person to ensure,so far as is practicable the
safety,health and welfare of all his employee
• the duty extends include in particular the provision
and maintenance of plant and systems of work
 PERMIT TO WORK SYSTEM
LEGISLATIVE REQUIREMENT
(OSHA 94)
• Penalty for an offences upon conviction be liable to a
fine not exceeding RM 50,000 or to imprisonment not
exceeding 2 years or both
 PERMIT TO WORK SYSTEM
LEGISLATIVE REQUIREMENT
(OSHA 94)
• It shall be the duty of every employee while at work to
take reasonable care for the safety and health of
himself and other person
• to comply with any instruction or measure on OSH
instituted by his employer or by any other person
 PERMIT TO WORK SYSTEM
LEGISLATIVE REQUIREMENT
(OSHA 94)
• Person who intentionally,recklessly or negligently
interferes or misuses anything provided or done in the
interest of safety,health and welfare be liable to a fine
not exceeding RM 20,000 or 2 years or both
• Person who contravenes be liable to a fine not
exceeding RM1000 or 3 months or both
PERMIT TO WORK SYSTEM

IT MUST BE REMEMEBERED THAT

NO JOB IS THAT IMPORTANT
IF IT COULD AFFECT THE
SAFETY OF PERSONNEL
PERMIT TO WORK SYSTEM

YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR

YOUR SAFETY AND
THE SAFETY OF THOSE AROUND YOU ,
WHAT YOU DO
CAN EFFECT THEIR SAFETY
 PERMIT TO WORK SYSTEM
• The work permit system has been devised to allow
work to be carried out safely

• A work permit itself does not ensure that the work will
be carried out safely

• A work permit merely prescribed conditions that

must be strictly adhered to,
to prior to and during
work
 PERMIT TO WORK SYSTEM
• It is therefore essential to control the work by
prescribing conditions by which it may be done
safely
• In normal cases, there will be periods of planned
maintenance , construction and minor work associated
with routine maintenance
• Verbal instruction may be misunderstood or wrongly
conveyed
• Prescribed conditions must be put in writing
 PERMIT TO WORK SYSTEM
WORK PERMIT REQUIREMENTS
• Work permits are required for all work except routine
work activities.
• The work description on the work permit must be
sufficiently detailed to positively limit the work
activity and hence prevent the expansion of the work
scope which may introduce additional hazard to the
worksite.
 WHERE PERMITS MAY BE
•
REQUIRED
Electrical work (higher voltages)
• Work on larger, more dangerous machines
• Work on overhead cranes and their tracks
• Entry into confined spaces (vessels, pits, silos)
• Presence of flammable gases, liquid or dusts (possible risk of ignition by hot work,
electrical or electrostatic sources)
• Presence of toxic substances
• Possible uncontrolled release of substances (water, steam, gases)
• Pressure testing
• Work involving ionizing radiation or lasers
• Excavation work
• Major construction or demolition activities
• Lone working in hazardous environments.
TYPES OF WORK PERMIT
 PERMIT TO WORK SYSTEM
TYPES OF WORK PERMIT
• Cold Work Permit

• Hot Work Permit

• Electrical Work Permit

• Lift Permit

• Radioactive Work Permit

 PERMIT TO WORK SYSTEM
TYPES OF WORK PERMIT
• Permit Copies
– Permit are normally printed in pads, cosseting of
three carbonized copies to each numbered permit
– These are normal marked original, copy 1 and copy 2,
each being held in different area
• Original copy - At work site
• Copy 1 - Issuing Authority
• Copy 2 - Control Room
 PERMIT TO WORK SYSTEM
COLD WORK
• Any work involving hazardous jobs outside of routine
work activity, excluding any work which is
considered to be hot work
• Routine work is any work routinely done e.g cutting
and grinding in a welding shop, taking measurements
and making minor process adjustments
 PERMIT TO WORK SYSTEM
HOT WORK
• Activity which will or may produce source of ignition

ELECTRICAL WORK
• Any work involving electrical equipment or system ,
including electrical isolation for mechanical work
 PERMIT TO WORK SYSTEM
LIFT WORK
• Any work involving lifting outside of routine work/lifts
• Lift permit must be applied for any of the condition as
below
– Lifting over unprotected process equipment or
powerline
– Greater than four legged sling lift
– Lift inside confined space
– Multiple crane lift
 PERMIT TO WORK SYSTEM
RADIOACTIVE WORK
• Any work involving a radioactive source e.g
x- rays, lasers
 PERMIT TO WORK SYSTEM
TYPES OF CERTIFICATE
• Permit to Work System uses six different certificates in
conjunction with Work Permit
• Certificates DO NOT stand alone while work in progress
but may be extended beyond the life of the work permit
 PERMIT TO WORK SYSTEM

TYPES OF CERTIFICATE
• They are required for various purpose in support of work
permit
• Gas Test Certificate
• Confined Space Entry Certificate (CSE)
• Mechanical/Isolation Certificate
• Electrical Isolation
• Safety System Bypass/ Override Certificate (SSB)
• Excavation Certificate
 PERMIT TO WORK SYSTEM
GAS TEST CERTIFICATE
• Used when an AGT checks the atmosphere in a work-
site for combustible and toxic gases as well as safe
level of oxygen

CSE CERTIFICATE
• Used to ensure safety for personnel entering confined
spaces
 PERMIT TO WORK SYSTEM
ISOLATION CERTIFICATE
• Used when any equipment , electrical, mechanical or
process must be isolated for maintenance or repair or
any other reason
• These certificates facilitate safe isolation, lockout and
tag out , as well as communication to people
concerned
 PERMIT TO WORK SYSTEM
SSB/OVERRIDE CERTIFICATE
• Some work activities on process or mechanical
equipment one or more safety system may need to be
taken out of service
• Examples of work for which such action is necessary
• Testing of shut down devices
• Testing of emergency shut down alarms
• Maintenance work on fire pump
• Hot work in area with UV flame detectors
 PERMIT TO WORK SYSTEM
• The following items must be stated on the SSBC in detail
– Description of safety system
– Description of bypass/override
– Reason for bypass/override
– Time and duration of bypass/override
– Effect on the safety system
– Method of bypass/override
– Alternative safeguards installed to provide comparable
protection
– Instruction to work permit applicant
– Approval by authorized personnel
 PERMIT TO WORK SYSTEM
EXCAVATION CERTIFICATE
• Is needed whenever mechanical excavation deeper
than 0.5 m is planned in an areas where it is
reasonable to expect underground pipelines, utilities
or other structure
MANAGEMENT OF PTW
 PERMIT TO WORK SYSTEM
RECOGNITION AND TRAINING
Recognition and Training of Permit Signatories
• Before individuals can authorized to undertake their roles
under PTW System, they must be formally recognized by their
management as being competent to undertake their role as
• Approval Authority
• Performing Authority
• Issuing Area Authority
• Authorized Gas Tester
 PERMIT TO WORK SYSTEM
RECOGNITION AND TRAINING
Recognition and Training of Permit Signatories
• Before a person can fill in a permit , he needs to be
trained in the PTW system and authorized by his
management
• A list of all authorized personnel must be kept by the
company and displayed in the control room
 PERMIT TO WORK SYSTEM
RECOGNITION AND TRAINING
• Points to be observed when working with the PTW system
– Only personnel authorized by management and deemed
competent can sign the permit
– Permits cannot be altered to carry out additional work in
the area
– Work must carried out as specified by the permit within
time stated
– One copy of the permit must be displayed at the worksite
 PERMIT TO WORK SYSTEM
• Points to be observed when working with the PTW
system
– If either the Issuing Authority or Performing Authority
change, the permit must be countersigned by his relief
– Additional gas tests must be carried out after each break,
when the space has been left unattended, if the permit
specify “CONTINUOUS MONITORING”
– If a gas monitor alarms, the area must be evacuated
immediately and the control room informed
 PERMIT TO WORK SYSTEM
• Points to be observed when working with the PTW system
– If an emergency alarm sounds, all permit should be
returned to the control room , if safe to do so and
personnel should go to their muster area.
– Permits will only be reissued once the emergency is over
and if it safe to continue to work in that area
– On completion of the work, the area must be left in a clean
and safe condition and the permit must not be signed off
until the area has been checked by the Issuing Authority
 PERMIT TO WORK SYSTEM
REMEMBER THAT THE ISSUE OF A PERMIT
DOES NOT
BY ITSELF MAKE A JOB SAFE
YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE WORK AND
THE SAFETY OF
THOSE CARRYING OUT THE WORK AND
THOSE MAY BE EFFECTED
BY YOUR ACTIONS
 PERMIT TO WORK SYSTEM
ESSENTIAL ELEMENTS OF PTW

• The Permit to Work format varies slightly with the

type of work carried out by the company involved but
the basic layout should conform to the objectives and
form an instructive legal document
PERMIT TO WORK SYSTEM
ESSENTIAL ELEMENTS OF PTW
1.0 Job Description
• To carry out a job safely, the work must be properly planned
and the permit must include the following details :
– Location of work place
– Time of commencement of work
– Equipment to be worked on
– Description of work to be carried out
– Tools required for the job to be carried out safely
– Name of person and department requesting the work to be
carried out
 PERMIT TO WORK SYSTEM
ESSENTIAL ELEMENTS OF PTW
2.0(a) Hazards Identified
• Work site must be visited and all potential hazards identified i.e :
– Is the atmosphere safe to work in ?
– Is there a risk of fire or explosion ?
– Is there a risk of personal injury or death ?
– Is there a possibility of damage to other equipment ?
– Is there a risk of leakage from a combustible liquid or gas or from
live electricity ?
– Is there a risk to other personnel in adjacent area ?
– Is there a risk to the environment ?
 PERMIT TO WORK SYSTEM
ESSENTIAL ELEMENTS OF PTW
2.0(b) Safety Precautions Required
• Once all the hazards are identifies all necessary steps must
be taken to make the job site and work to be done as safe as
possible. This may include any of the following examples:
- Isolation of fuel lines - Isolation of instrumentation
- Fire Extinguisher req - Fire Watch requirement
- Air Blower req. - Scaffold requirement
- NO ENTRY signs - Area barricaded off
- Extra illumination
PERMIT TO WORK SYSTEM
ESSENTIAL ELEMENTS OF PTW
2.0(b) Safety precaution Required
- Isolation of live electrical points - Fire Blanket req.
- Nitrogen Purging req. - Gas Test to be done
- Isolation of hydraulic lines - Safety boat req.
- Standby crew req. - NO SMOKING sign
- Sprinkler /Fire detection isolated
• The above list is not exhausted but the list of safety
precautions are normally related to the type of permit
 PERMIT TO WORK SYSTEM
ESSENTIAL ELEMENTS OF PTW
2.0( c ) Personal Protection( Additional to normal
Personal Protective Equipment )
• This is the equipment to be carried or worn to make the person
safe to carry out the job i.e
- Full Body harness - Respirator
- Full SCBA - Gas Meter
- Life Jacket - Reflective Jacket
- Chemical Suit - Goggles
- Welding suit - Rubber Gloves
- Rubber boots - Life line
 PERMIT TO WORK SYSTEM
ESSENTIAL ELEMENTS OF PTW
2.0 ( d ) Certificate number of Isolation
• The types of isolations required to be carried out to make the job
safe prior to the job being started must be entered onto an
Isolation Certificate
• The person doing the isolation must be authorized and competent
to sign this certificate stating that each isolation has been
correctly carried out
• The number on the top of the Isolation Certificate is entered onto
the effected Permit to Work that the isolation has been carried out
 PERMIT TO WORK SYSTEM
ESSENTIAL ELEMENTS OF PTW
2.0 ( d ) Certificate number of Isolation
• This act as a cross-reference to the person carrying out
the job in the event that wishes to review the Isolation
Certificate prior to starting work
• The Isolation Certificate remains active for the duration
of the effected PERMIT and de-isolation cannot be
carried out until job is completed
 PERMIT TO WORK SYSTEM
ESSENTIAL ELEMENTS OF PTW
2.0 ( e ) Gas Testing
• To ensure that the atmosphere is free from explosive
or toxic gases and that the air (oxygen level) is normal
a gas test may be required prior to the start of work or
continuously whilst the work is being carried out
 PERMIT TO WORK SYSTEM
ESSENTIAL ELEMENTS OF PTW
3.0 ( a ) Approvals
• Once 2(a) to 2(e) have been completed ,management must
decide if the work to be carried out conflicts with any
other work that is planned to be carried out on that site,
adjacent areas or on any effected process or system
• They must also ensure that all necessary precautions have
been carried out within the permit and may insist on other
precautions being applied if they feel it is required to do
the job in safe manner
 PERMIT TO WORK SYSTEM
ESSENTIAL OF PTW
3.0 ( a) Approvals
• The management signatories for high risk permits are
normally the Manager and effected department supervisors
i.e Production Supervisors & Maintenance Supervisor
• For low risk permits it may require the signature of either
one or both of the supervisor and not the Manager of the
plant or installation
“We’ve checked this permit and agree to it being issued”
 PERMIT TO WORK SYSTEM
ESSENTIAL ELEMENTS OF PTW
3.0 (b) Acceptance
• The supervisor, foreman or person doing the job
will sign the permit as Performing Authority for
ensuring the work is carried out compliance with
the job specifications and safety requirements i.e

“ I’ve read the permit and understand the scope of

work and permit conditions and accept responsibility
for the the task”
task
 PERMIT TO WORK SYSTEM
ESSENTIAL ELEMENTS OF PTW
3.0 ( c) Permit Issued
– Normally the Area Authority ( e.g supervisor /
operator responsible for the area ) will check that
all isolations have been done and that the area has
been prepared in accordance with the permit
– some companies will call this person the Issuing
Authority and the person may be employed solely
on this duty
 PERMIT TO WORK SYSTEM

ESSENTIAL ELEMENTS OF PTW

3.0 ( c) Permit Issued
– He will sign to hand over responsibility to the
performing Authority
“ I’ve checked the work site and the permit conditions
have been complied with and it is safe for work to
proceed”
 PERMIT TO WORK SYSTEM
ESSENTIAL ELEMENTS OF PTW
4.0 ( a) Revalidation
• Normally a permit is valid for a set working day ( 8 or 12
hours ) unless specified on the permit
• If work is to continue after or the work to be handed over to a
different shift, the permit must be revalidated by both the
Performance & Issuing Authority
• The Manager may also be required to sign as permitting the
work to continue
• Each company may have different procedures for the duration
and frequency of revalidation
 PERMIT TO WORK SYSTEM
ESSENTIAL ELEMENTS OF PTW

• The Permit to Work format varies slightly with the

type of work carried out by the company involved but
the basic layout should conform to the objectives and
form an instructive legal document
PERMIT TO WORK SYSTEM
ESSENTIAL ELEMENTS OF PTW

Company A may require revalidation once after 12

hours with a maximum permit duration of 24 hours”

“ Company B may require revalidation after every 8

hours with a maximum permit duration of 7 days”
 PERMIT TO WORK SYSTEM
ESSENTIAL ELEMENTS OF PTW
4.0 ( b) Permit Suspended
• If for reason the job cannot be completed within the
permit validation period or if materials are not readily
available ( e.g a replacement valve may take 10 days to
arrive ) the permit must be suspended
• The work site is made as safe as possible, any isolation
carried out may be required to be kept “tagged” in the
isolated position until the new part arrives, a new permit is
issued and the job is eventually completed
 PERMIT TO WORK SYSTEM
ESSENTIAL ELEMENTS OF PTW
4.0 ( b) Permit Suspended
• It is important at this stage that the effected Isolation
Certificate and Permit are stapled together to ensure
that the systems are not brought into operation until it is
safe to do so
• Both the Issuing Authority and Performing Authority
must sign under this section and state the reason for
suspension of the job
 PERMIT TO WORK SYSTEM
ESSENTIAL ELEMENTS OF PTW
4.0 ( c ) Permit Completed
• Once the job is completed and the site made safe, the permit
can now be returned and signed off
• Further test may be required to prove the work e.g. Leak test or
electrically pneumatically operated to check for serviceability,
and a further permit may have to be issued for this
• Some companies incorporate this ability to test within the
original permit
• On completion all permits are brought together and signed off
by both the Issuing and Performing Authorities
WORK PERMIT SEQUENCE
REQUEST FOR ISSUE

CLEARANCE IS OBTAINED

ISOLATIONS MADE/ PRECAUTIONS TAKEN

THE PERMIT ISSUER COMPLETES THE PERMIT FORM

THE PERMIT HOLDER SIGNS

THE PERMIT IS ISSUED

TERMINATION OF WORK

THE PERMIT HOLDER CANCELS

AN AUTHORISED PERSON CANCELS

NORMAL ACTIVITY RESUMES