WORK PERMIT SYSTEM

1. WORK PERMIT SYSTEM

1.1. Definition:

An organized method which authorizes specific activity such as Construction, Maintenance, Inspection or Repair in areas identified by management as restricted and which represent a potential Hazard to company operations, personnel or equipment.

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2.AIM OF THE WORK PERMIT SYSTEM

• AUTHORIZATION-of Specific Work, in a Specific Location, inside Restricted Areas.
• SAFETY – provide a Safe Work Location by identification and elimination of Hazards and lists Minimum Precautions for working Safely.
• COMMUNICATIONS – awareness.
• RECORD KEEPING – provides an official record of events and agreements.
• ACCESS CONTROL – limits personnel in Hazardous Areas.

3. WORK PERMIT SYSTEM BASIC TERMS

3.1. Restricted Areas

• Areas Where Hydrocarbons, Flammable Liquids, Gases or Oxidizing Agents, Are Handled, Stored, Piped or Processed, In Significant Quantities.
• Within 200 Feet of Power Lines. 
• Within 100 Feet of Pipelines. 
• Areas or Activities Which Have Been Designated, By A Department Manager.

3.2.Designated Representative:

• A Competent Employee, designated (Chosen) By The Issuer, Who Is Familiar with The Requirements of the Work Permit System and Is Able to Perform Associated Work Permit Duties. He Does Not Sign the Work Permit.

3.3. Isolation:

• A Process Whereby the System or Component, is Removed from Service and Is Completely Protected Against the Unplanned Entry of Energy, Whether It Be Chemical, Mechanical, Electrical or Pneumatic Energy. 

4. REQUIREMENTS OF ISSUING/RECEIVING PERMITS

• Knowing The Scope of Work
• Knowing and Understanding the Type(S) Of Permit(S) Needed
• Specific Hazard Identification
• Location Joint Site Inspection
• Scope Means Range of Work
• Specific Means (Accurate)

4.1. Hot Work

Anything That Creates Flames, Heat or Other Ignition Sources Such As:

1. Hot Tapping.
2. Welding and Torch Cutting.
3. Vehicle Entry.
4. Flash Photography, Abrasive Grinding Blasting, And Grinding. 

4.2. Cold Work

Work That Does Not Create an Ignition Source - Heat, Flame or Spark

• Brush Painting
• Hand Tool Work
• Inspection;
• Scaffold Erection

4.3.Release Permit

Potential Releases of Hazardous Gases and Chemicals Such as:

• Swinging Blinds
• Gas Freeing Equipment
• Venting to Atmosphere
• Opening Lines
• Depressurizing High Pressure Air Lines

4.4. Confined Space Permit

Entry of Personnel into Any Space or Structure Not Normally Intended for Human Occupancy, In Which Entry, Movement or Exit is Restricted.

• Tanks, Towers, Vessels,
• Excavations 4ft or Deeper, Sumps
• Sewers, Valve Pits, Vessel Skirts;

5. PEOPLE INVOLVED IN WORK PERMITS

Each Craft Must Have a Separate Permit

5.1. Certified Issuer

Issues Work Permit Only After:

• Visiting The Site Together with The Receiver
• Performing Gas Test
• Listing Precautions and Restrictions

5.2. Certified Receiver

• Requests Work Permit from Ops.
• Issuer and Receiver Are Responsible for:
• Complying with Conditions and Requirements
• Keeping Copy of Permit in Possession or Within View of the Job Site
• Stopping Work
• Closing A Work Permit with Issuer

5.3. Joint Site Inspections

• Discuss Scope of Work;
• Gas Testing;
• Lockout/Hold Tags
• Safety Equipment Needed;
• Process Hazards
• Isolation/Depressurization;
• Physical Hazards;
• Radiation Hazards;

5.4. Closing A Work Permit

• Work Permits Shall Be Closed by Receiver and Issuer Except When:
• Distance or Remoteness Make Signing Impractical.;
• Must Be Stated When Permit Is Issued;

6. PERMIT HAZARDS

• Flammability/Combustibility;
• Lower Explosion Limit (Lel) – Too Lean;
• Upper Explosion Limit (Uel) – Too Rich;
• Flammable Range – Mixture Will Burn;

6.1. Limits:

• Any Reading Above 0% Lel- No Hot Work Permitted.
• 5% To 50% Lel- Scot Air Pak Used for Cold Work Only.
• Above 50% Lel – No Entry Permitted No Work Permitted;

6.2. Hydrogen Sulfide - Toxicity

• 10 Ppm, Can Smell, Permissible for 8 Hours Only.;
• 100ppm, Kills Smell in 3-15 Minutes;
• 500ppm, Unconscious in 15 Minutes;
• 700ppm, Breathing Stops Within Moments;
• 1000ppm, Immediate Unconsciousness And Death If Not Rescued And Resuscitated;

6.3.Oxygen

• 21% - Is Normal;
• Less Than 20%, Requires Div. Head Approval + Sap;
• Above 23.5% Extreme Flammability Hazard;
• Exposure to Less Than 16% Causes Rapid Unconsciousness;

6.4.Duration of Work Permits and Extensions

• Normal Duration Is for 8 –Hours Only;
• Can Be Increased to 16 – Hours If Signed by Issuer and Receiver Coming On Shift;
• Up to 30 Days for Certain Jobs with Division Head Approval;

7.GAS TEST LIMITS;

8. ISOLATION, LOCKOUT, AND USE OF HOLD TAGS

Types of Energy Sources Examples:

• Electrical
• Fluid
• Gaseous
• Mechanical
• Chemical

Means of Isolation When There Is a Potential Energy, The Source Shall Be Isolated Blinds

• Closing and Locking of Valves;
• Removal of Piping
• Opening and Locking Circuit Breakers
• Disconnect Power Supplies

9. PROCEDURES

• Specific Isolation, Lock, Hold and Tag Procedures
• Each Department Is Responsible for Implementing Lockout Procedures and Training
• Operations and Maintenance Shall Provide Lockout Equipment
• Operations Should Be First On and Last Off Lock
• Lock, Tag and Try 

10. LOCKS

• Each Craftsman Should Have His Own Lock
• One Lock, One Key
• Tag Must Have Name and Phone Number at Minimum
• Forced Removal Requires Two Superintendents.
• Documentation Exception to Obtaining a Work Permits
• Emergency Only
• Still Must Do the Job Safely
• Complete Permits as Soon as Possible

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