Permit To Work Guidelines

OHS UNIT
PERMIT TO WORK GUIDELINES

CONTENTS 1 2 3 4 5 Introduction ........................................................................................................................................... 2 Purpose ................................................................................................................................................ 2 Scope .................................................................................................................................................... 2 Definitions ............................................................................................................................................. 2 Roles and Responsibilities ................................................................................................................... 3 5.1 Permit Issuer .............................................................................................................................. 3 5.2 Permit Receiver ......................................................................................................................... 3 5.3 UOW Responsible Officer .......................................................................................................... 3 5.4 Managers and Supervisors ........................................................................................................ 4 5.5 OHS Unit .................................................................................................................................... 4 General Requirements.......................................................................................................................... 4 6.1 Identification of access controlled areas .................................................................................... 4 6.2 Permit Issue ............................................................................................................................... 5 6.3 Authorisation .............................................................................................................................. 5 6.4 Associated documents ............................................................................................................... 5 6.5 Preparation of Work Area .......................................................................................................... 5 6.6 Permit Receipt ........................................................................................................................... 6 6.7 Duration ..................................................................................................................................... 6 6.8 Gas test...................................................................................................................................... 6 6.9 Cancellation ............................................................................................................................... 7 6.10 Work Completion and Commissioning .................................................................................. 7 Fire Alarm Isolation ............................................................................................................................... 7 Hot Work ............................................................................................................................................... 8 8.1 Prevention and Control .............................................................................................................. 8 Energy Isolation .................................................................................................................................... 8 Roof Access .......................................................................................................................................... 9 10.1 Inspection............................................................................................................................... 9 Confined Spaces .................................................................................................................................. 9 Asbestos ............................................................................................................................................... 9 Restricted Areas ................................................................................................................................... 9 Records .............................................................................................................................................. 10 Program Evaluation ............................................................................................................................ 10 Related Documents ............................................................................................................................ 11 Version Control Table ......................................................................................................................... 11 Appendix 1: Authorised Permit Issuers .............................................................................................. 12
7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18
HRD-OHS-GUI-301.4 Permit To Work Guidelines 2011 March Page 1 of 12 Hardcopies of this document are considered uncontrolled please refer to UOW website or intranet for latest version
Permit To Work Guidelines
Introduction
The University of Wollongong (UOW) is committed to the health and safety of its employees, students, contractors and visitors. The Permit To Work (PTW) system provides a level of control to ensure risks associated with certain work types and areas are eliminated or minimised to prevent incidents occurring in the workplace. The PTW system provides a consistent and systematic approach to the control of risk for specific activities occurring in the workplace as well as controlling access to areas identified as restricted. These guidelines are intended to provide procedures and general information to those persons involved directly with the issuing or receiving of permits.
Purpose
The PTW system is a formalised process to control work and access to identified areas designed to prevent incidents in the workplace. The written system is used to control certain types of work or work areas that are potentially hazardous and contains a permit to work document which specifies the work to be done and the precautions to be taken. This process authorises work only after safe procedures have been defined and they provide a clear record that all foreseeable hazards have been considered.
Scope
These guidelines outline the universities PTW system, aimed at reducing the risk of incidents related to potentially hazardous activities or work areas. These guidelines are applicable to all staff and contractors working at all university locations.
Definitions
An enclosed or partially enclosed space that: is not intended or designed primarily as a place of work, and is at atmospheric pressure while persons are in it, and may have an atmosphere with potentially harmful contaminants, an unsafe level of oxygen or stored substances that may cause engulfment, and may (but need not) have restricted means of entry and exit. Electricity, gas, oil, water and other fluids, air, steam, oxygen, or other stored energy source, flywheel, mechanical, gravitational, kinetic, chemical, the level or intensity of which could pose a threat to a person(s) safety. Dissipating or restraining (containing) any stored energy which may give rise to a hazard. Isolation of fire detection or suppression system making it inoperative or inactive. An area in which an explosive atmosphere is present, or may be expected to be present, in quantities such as to require special precautions for the construction, installation and use of potential ignition sources. Work which generates a spark or flame that may increase the risk of fire or explosion. Activities may include welding, thermal or oxygen cutting, heating and grinding. Isolation is a method that blocks liquid, gas, electric current or other stored energy so as to ensure safe access for inspection or maintenance. Use of a lock and system to prevent energy from being turned on during equipment maintenance or repair.
Confined space
Energy
Energy isolation
Fire alarm isolation Hazardous area
Hot work
Isolation
Lockout
Permit Permit issuer Permit receiver Restricted area Roof access Tag-out
A document authorising a person to undertake specific work in a designated area. A person who is authorised to complete and issue a permit. A person who receives a permit from a permit issues. An area to which access is available only to persons authorized by the occupier. Access to a building roof from the ground to the designated work area. Tag-out is the use of a special tag informing workers of the danger starting the equipment when it can't be locked out.
Roles and Responsibilities
To ensure the permit to work system is effective all individuals involved must clearly understand and take an active role in meeting their responsibilities. Due to the potential hazards associated with permit to work, the specific responsibilities outlined below must be followed.
5.1
Permit issuer
Ensure all hazards associated with the proposed job have been identified, assessed and controlled be familiar with the intended task(s) ensure that the area and equipment are made safe before hand over outline how the work is to be undertaken (e.g. procedures, precautions, equipment, location, start time, duration) - verbally and where necessary in writing maintain records of work permits Authorised permit issuers are to be competent with the implementation of the requirements of these guidelines. This may be attained by reading and familiarising themselves with the requirements of these guidelines.
5.2
Permit receiver
Satisfy themselves that they understand the requirements of the permit be skilled, qualified trained and competent to perform the work, including the use of any personal protective equipment all aspects on the permit must be completed and documented adhere to the PTW requirements ensure the job is performed in a safe manner be aware of the hazards that could exist and have the necessary controls in place make equipment and area safe on completion of the task make the work area safe and seek immediate advice if a doubt or if circumstances or conditions change ensure that all tags and signs are prominently displayed so that personnel are aware that the equipment etc is isolated/not to be operated.
5.3
UOW responsible officer
The responsible UOW officer is the designated person who manages and supervises the contract. Responsibilities include but are not limited to the following:
ensure the contract is coordinated and managed in accordance with UOW guidelines ensure that contractors engaged by the University are aware of any OHS hazards that may exist in the area in which they are working ensure that contractors work safely and complete the work as specified in the contract and SWMS monitoring the progress of the contracted work, and should the contractor not be carrying out the work as per the contract, take steps to remedy the situation
ensuring contractors have current workers compensation insurance ensuring contractors have public liability insurance of no less than $10 million and that certificates of currency are provided by the contractor prior to commencing work ensuring the safe execution of any hot work, and shall have authority to enforce the UOW requirements with respect to employees, contractors and other workers.
5.4
Managers and supervisors
Supervisors must understand the work for which a permit has been sought and understand isolation and tagging procedures:
ensure that a permit is granted before work commences ensure that the person(s) doing the work are appropriately qualified to do the work ensure that all checks are undertaken to ensure that the permit was used correctly ensure appropriate persons are informed when a job is completed or suspended and that the permit is cancelled.
5.5
OHS unit
provide technical guidance on the application of the permit to work system evaluate and update the permit to work guidelines at the review period or as procedures change provide expertise and regulatory guidance to responsible persons develop and maintain a register of restricted access areas across the campus.
Members of the OHS unit shall:
6
6.1
General Requirements
Identification of access controlled areas
A process is undertaken for the identification of workplaces or work locations requiring controlled access arrangements for all potential high risk areas within the university. Areas requiring access control will be identified through the following:
6.1.1
risk assessment OHS legislative requirements university security arrangements.
Risk assessment
A risk assessment will identify the hazards in the university, this will be used to make a determination as to the type of access control to be implemented. Consideration will be given to the following:
the skill level or specific qualification requirements of those required to enter the location the effectiveness of current control measures if any exist the potential for injury to employees and others without access arrangements being implemented.
The Restricted Access Area Survey form shall be used to assist conduct the risk assessment. A review of the risk assessment will occur when there are changes to processes, work practices or the university environment. Supervisors are responsible for identifying university locations and tasks where access control criteria are defined within legislative requirements.
6.1.2
Communication
Access control may be communicated through site maps or site plans which identify specific areas requiring access control. Alternative arrangements for the identification of specific areas requiring access control will
be defined in local procedures. Adequate warning signs will also be displayed at or near any identified accessing control areas.
6.2
Permit issue
The university has determined through legislation, standards, industry practice and via a risk assessment that the following work activities require a permit in order to gain approval for the work to commence:
energy isolation including working with electrical installations fire alarm isolation hot work roof access confined space access asbestos removal even if below 10 square metres excavation work demolition work according to Section 332 of the OHS Regulation 2001.
Permits are nominally issued by university officers to permit receivers which may include employees or contractors. The exception is that principal contractors may issue permits to sub-contractors only after approval from university. The permit issuer shall discuss the requirements and details of the work activity with the permit receiver. Work extending over multiple permits issued requires communication and a handover of the relevant information pertaining to the job.
6.3
Authorisation
Work may only commence after the appropriate permit has been completed and issued by the permit issuer. A list or permit issuers who may issue and cancel permits are listed in Appendix 1. The permit shall have the appropriate level of authority endorsing the permit. Methods to be used and precautions to be taken shall be agreed to, by parties beforehand and clearly stated on the work permit. All parties must sign off before any work commences. Authorisation is evident by the signature which confirms that the required isolations have been made and precautions taken, except where these can only be taken during the work.
6.4
Associated documents
Any work requiring a permit is considered to have a different risk compared to routine work. Each work activity requiring a permit also requires a risk assessment or safe work procedure attached to the permit.
6.5
Preparation of work area
The relevant work area and plant shall be prepared to eliminate or minimize the risk of incident such as potential for fire, explosion, or exposure of persons to a hazardous substance. Precautionary measures shall include the following, as appropriate:
identification of equipment to be worked on and any other equipment that may be affected energy isolation of the equipment, such as depressurisation and disconnection removal of hazardous substances in the immediate work area that may be impacted by the work preparation of piping such as sewers, drain that may have the presence of hazardous or flammable substances provision of appropriate rescue or fire-protection equipment where required, atmospheric testing of the work environment for the flammable or hazardous vapours and oxygen content.
6.6 6.6.1
Permit receipt Acceptance
The permit receiver is required to sign the permit confirming their understanding of work to be done, hazards involved and precautions required.
6.6.2
Communication
The permit receiver is required to communicate the requirements specified on the permit to any workers involved in the work described in the permit. If at any time conditions in the workplace change, the permit receiver must stop work and communicate this to the permit issuer.
6.6.3
Arrival at site
On arrival at the work area the employee/contractor notifies the appropriate person within the building/area that they have arrived to perform specified work.
6.6.4
Work commencement
Prior to beginning work the employee/contractor ensures that the site is controlled as per the requirements identified on the permit. Employee/contractor completes work as detailed in the permit and their contract/job specifications. Access to restricted areas will be granted for the duration of the permit via key access procedures if appropriate. Where work is required to extend beyond the timeframe of the permit, the permit receiver must communicate this to the permit issuer. The permit receiver must ensure that a new permit is received before for the existing permit expires for continuation of the job.
6.7
Duration
As conditions in the work environment may change permits are valid only for a specific period of time. Work permits shall be valid until the specified date on the work permit. Hot work permits are valid for eight hours.
6.8
Gas test
Gas test are required for hot work and confined space entry permits. Gas testing shall be conducted by a person who is competent in the gas test operations and the use of the relevant equipment. The test instrument shall have current calibration, which shall be displayed on the unit. The instrument type, serial number and date of calibration due shall be recorded on the permit. Testing for the presence of any flammable gas or vapours shall take place as late as practical before the commencement of hot works but no longer than two hours before. This includes continuous testing at all potential sources.
6.8.1
Hot Work
The concentration of any flammable gas or vapours shall not be more than 5 percent of its lower explosion limit (LEL).
6.8.2
Confined Space
Before a person enters a confined space, it shall be ensured:
the confined space contains an oxygen level of 21% the concentration of flammable contaminant in the atmosphere is below 5% of its LEL the atmospheric contaminants in the confined space are reduced to below the relevant exposure standards where the oxygen level is below 21% or atmospheric contaminants cannot be reduced below relevant exposure levels, entry may only occur with suitable PPE including supplied air entry shall not occur to a confined space when flammable contaminants are greater than or equal to 5% LEL or where oxygen exceeds 23.5% where a concentration of flammable contaminant is found to be more than 5% and less than 10% of its LEL, all persons leave the confined space unless a continuous monitoring, suitably calibrated flammable contaminant detector is used in the confined space at all times while persons are present in it where a concentration of flammable contaminant in the atmosphere of a confined space is found to be 10% of its LEL or more, all persons leave the confined space.
If work stops for a period of more than one hour a new gas test will be required.
6.9
Cancellation
Where a permit has been written and is not required to be issued it is required to be marked as cancelled. The marking should include two diagonal lines across the page with the word cancelled written in between.
6.10
Work completion and commissioning
Prior to leaving the site the employee/contractor is to clean up the workplace to ensure it is tidy and left in a safe condition and perform a final inspection of the workplace to ensure no hazards remain. When leaving the work area the employee/contractor is required to advise the appropriate person within building/area that work has been completed and that they are leaving the building/area. Once the work activity is complete, the permit receiver is required to return the permit to the permit issuer. When the permit issuer is satisfied that work has been completed to job specifications and safety requirements they may sign off the permit. On hand back of the work area the permit receiver should sign the permit stating that the work area is now ready to be returned to the issuer. On the completion of work and before the work area or plant is returned to service, a check shall be conducted to ensure:
the work has been completed any temporary arrangements/installation such as temporary barricades, excavation holes etc have been removed all personnel and equipment are accounted for the work permit has been cancelled or signed-off as being completed, and all related equipment and facilities and fire systems are operational and have been inspected and tested appropriately.
Fire Alarm Isolation
A permit must be issued for any work involving fire alarm isolation. Once the permit is issued by the maintenance supervisor work is to be conducted in accordance with the Fire System Impairment Procedure and the Fire Control Centre Procedure.
Hot Work
Hot work requires the issue of a hot work permit prior to the task commencing. Hot work may only occur in the designated location as written on the permit. Hot work permits are issued for work that is non routine and/or the type of work is not normally performed in the specified location. University areas designated for hot work (such as a workshop e.g. engineering) do not require the issue of a permit. Except for routine, non-hazardous work, any work within the restricted area shall be authorized by means of a work permit.
8.1
Prevention and control

identify and control any fire hazard (including the presence of flammable or combustible liquids, gases, vapours, dusts, fibres or substances) within 15m from the hot work identify and control any hazards that may exist outside the area as described above identify the possibility of changing circumstances during the progress of the hot work and whether they may render the area unsafe for the work to continue ventilate the hot-work area identify and locate the equipment, including emergency fire fighting equipment isolate the area where the hot work is to be performed ensure a safe entry and exit point from the hot-work area if specified by the hot-work permit, a firewatcher shall be stationed in the area near the hot work, for the purpose of safeguarding personnel and equipment.
Prior to the commencement of hot work, the following precautions shall be undertaken:
Hot work permits may be prepared and authorised by the principal contractor and is required to be sighted and signed by the permit issuer. Where hot work is to be conducted in laboratory areas, the laboratory manager or supervisor is to be contacted.
Energy Isolation
Any energised equipment to be worked on must be isolated to ensure the energy is removed or controlled to prevent incidents. Where electrical isolation is effected at a removable or rack out circuit breaker or combined fuse switch, if practicable it must be racked out or removed, then locked open and danger tagged. Isolation of other services, i.e. gas, water or hydraulic systems are to be completed at the nearest point to the place of work, these systems are to be danger tagged and locked. After isolation check to ensure that the apparatus to be worked on is fully isolated and discharged of any stored energy that may be present (danger tags are only to be removed by the person issuing the tag). Energy isolation must be conducted in accordance with Buildings and Grounds (B&G) Isolation (Danger Tagging & Lockout) Procedure.
10
Roof Access
The university recognises that there are times people are required to access the roof of a building for a variety of purposes. As outlined in the Working at Heights Guidelines, roof access may require a permit to be issued depending on:
10.1
the nature of work working conditions workplace environment.
Inspection
To ensure the roof area is safe for persons to perform the activity, a general inspection should be performed which recording details of the roof space. A completed roof access inspection checklist must be completed prior to the activity commencing in the area. A risk assessment is to be completed for any corrective actions identified through the inspection checklist or other hazards identified.
11
Confined Spaces
Where a confined space permit is required the permit issuer will sight the permit receivers confined space permit. This document must be sighted prior to a confined space permit being issued. More information regarding the procedure for working with confined spaces is outlined in the Confined Spaces Guidelines. This document must be sighted prior to a confined space permit being issued.
12
Asbestos
Where work involving the removal or disturbance of asbestos containing material is conducted a permit is 2 required from the permit issuer. Where the removal of asbestos is greater than 10m a licensed operator must be used. A risk assessment is to accompany the permit to work form prior to work commencing. Where friable asbestos is being removed a WorkCover permit should accompany the UOW permit to work. More information regarding the procedure for working with asbestos containing material is outlined in the Asbestos Management Guidelines.
13
Restricted Areas
There are areas of the university which are restricted to prevent unauthorised access and control the level of exposure to such things as mobile plant, electrical hazards, hazardous chemicals, hazardous machinery and electromagnetic radiation. A risk management approach should be used to determine those areas requiring restricted access. This may be based on items such as:
hazards and risk present nature of work or activities being performed working environment.
Generally restricted areas include, but not limited to: laboratories workshops
confined spaces roofs waste stores chemical stores plant and equipment yards.
These areas should be restricted to staff and students who have been trained and are proficient in the operations of the machinery/equipment processes and who have a sound knowledge of the required safety procedures for the work area. Contractors/visitors and those entering the area but are not working must be escorted by authorised persons. Controls for restricted areas should be routinely checked and tested to ensure the integrity of the installed access controls. A regular assessment should be performed to determine any additional areas that should be restricted using the restricted areas assessment form. Further information regarding restricted access can be found in the related documents.
Guideline Biosafety Manual Confined Space Guidelines Electrical Safety Guidelines Dangerous Goods Storage and Handling Guidelines Radioactive Waste Disposal Guidelines Radiation Safety Guidelines Working Alone and After Hours
Heading/Section 5.2 6.9 6 10 4 8.10 6.2 Laboratory Access and Authorisation Signage and access Access to Electrical Switchboards Security sensitive dangerous substances Radioactive Waste Storage Security Access to buildings
14
Records
Permits and associated documents such as safe work procedures and risk assessments are required to be stored and maintained as per the OHS document control guidelines and UOW records management procedures.
15
Program Evaluation
In order to ensure that these guidelines continue to be effective and applicable to the University, the program will be reviewed annually by the OHS unit and stakeholders. Conditions which might warrant a review of the guidelines on a more frequent basis would include:
incidents resulting from permit to work system identification of a hazard not covered in a permit detection of a condition prohibited by permit employee safety committee or contractor concern.
Following completion of any review, the program will be revised/updated in order to correct any deficiencies before further entries are authorised. Any changes to the program will be communicated to all affected employees.
16

Related Documents
OHS Act 2000 OHS Regulation 2001 AS/NZS 2865 - Safe working in a confined space AS1940 - The storage and handling of flammable and combustible liquids AS1674 - Safety in welding and allied processes Risk Management Guidelines Hazard and Incident Reporting Guidelines Permit To Work Form Fire System Impairment Procedure Fire Control Centre Procedure Authority Owned Utility Isolation Procedure Essential Services Maintenance Procedure Isolation (Danger Tagging & Lockout) Procedure Records Management Compliance Guidelines OHS Document Control Guidelines OHS Training Guidelines Restricted Areas Assessment Form
17
Version Control 1 2 3 4
Version Control Table

Date Released Aug 2008 April 2010 August 2010 March 2011 Approved By Manager OHS Manager OHS Manager OHS Manager OHS Amendment Document created Scheduled review minor changes. Addition of asbestos removal to permit requirements. Further information added to authorised permit issuers Document updated to incorporate the Personnel name change to Human Resources Division Document updated with changed processes for work involving fire alarm isolations.
18
Appendix 1: Authorised Permit Issuers

Unit Buildings & Grounds Buildings & Grounds Buildings & Grounds Buildings & Grounds Accommodation Services Accommodation Services Location Building 31 Building 31 Building 31 Shoalhaven Campus Campus East Halls of Residence
Position Manager Maintenance & Energy Maintenance Planner Electrical/Mechanical Supervisor Facilities Manager Satellite Sites Maintenance Supervisor Maintenance Officer

Permit To Work Guidelines

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

Permit To Work Guidelines

Uploaded by

Document Information

Original Title

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

Permit To Work Guidelines

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

What are the roles and responsibilities outlined in the document?

What are the roles and responsibilities outlined in the document?

What types of work require a permit?

What types of work require a permit?

OHS UNIT