QHSE DOCUMENTS-PERMIT TO WORK SYSTEM AND PROCEDURES

 

Procedural Details for the Following Permit to Work System:

1. Confined Space Entry
2. Electrical/ Energy Isolation Work
3. Excavation
4. Hot Works
5. Work with Oversize-Load
6. Working at Heights
7. Work with ESD or Fire and Gas Detection System

1.0. Confined Space Entry

1.1. Preparation:

• Identify the confined space and assess the potential hazards present.
• Obtain necessary permits and approvals for confined space entry.
• Select and prepare necessary personal protective equipment (PPE) for the entrants.
• Ensure adequate ventilation and lighting are in place.
• Set up a standby person outside the confined space for communication and assistance.

1.2. Training and Communication:

• Ensure all personnel involved are trained in confined space procedures and emergency response.
• Conduct a pre-entry briefing to discuss roles, responsibilities, and potential hazards.
• Establish a clear communication system, such as radios, between entrants, standby personnel, and the supervisor.

1.3. Entry Procedures:

• Test and monitor the atmosphere within the confined space for toxic gases, flammable materials, and oxygen levels.
• Install barriers or warning signs to prevent unauthorized entry during operations.
• Ensure all tools and equipment used are intrinsically safe and suitable for the confined space environment.
• Implement lockout/tag-out procedures for any energy sources.

1.4. Continuous Monitoring:

• Maintain constant communication with the entrants.
• Continuously monitor the atmosphere inside the confined space for any changes.
• Have rescue equipment ready and a rescue plan in place.

1.5. Exit Procedures:

• Entrants should exit the confined space immediately if any hazardous conditions arise.
• Perform post-entry checks to ensure no equipment is left behind and the area is properly secured.
• Debrief the entrants and review the entry process for improvements.

2.0. Electrical/Energy Isolation Work

2.1. Risk Assessment:

• Identify the electrical systems or equipment that need isolation.
• Evaluate potential electrical hazards and determine the level of isolation required.

2.2. Notification and Coordination:

• Notify affected personnel about the upcoming isolation and its purpose.
• Coordinate with relevant departments to ensure smooth workflow disruption.

2.3. Isolation Procedures:

• Obtain proper lockout/tag-out equipment, including locks, tags, and isolation devices.
• Follow documented procedures to isolate energy sources, clearly labeling each isolation point.
• Test equipment or systems to confirm proper isolation before starting work.

2.4. Verification and Testing:

• Test the isolated equipment using appropriate testing tools to ensure no energy flow.
• Involve authorized personnel to verify the isolation before work begins.

2.5. Work Activities:

• Perform the necessary maintenance, repairs, or inspections while ensuring the energy sources remain isolated.
• Use proper tools and PPE to minimize risks.

2.6. Completion and Restoration:

• After work is completed, remove lockout/tag-out devices only when authorized personnel confirm the area is safe.
• Notify affected personnel when the equipment or system is back in operation.

3.0. Excavation

3.1. Planning and Assessment:

• Determine the scope and purpose of the excavation.
• Conduct a site assessment to identify potential hazards, including underground utilities.

3.2. Utility Marking:

• Contact relevant utility companies to mark the location of underground utilities.
• Clearly mark the excavation area and establish barriers or fencing.

3.3. Excavation Procedures:

• Select appropriate excavation methods and equipment based on the soil type and depth.
• Design slopes and benches as needed to prevent collapses.
• Ensure the excavation site is adequately shored, sloped, or supported to prevent cave-ins.

3.4. Safety Measures:

• Provide proper access and egress points for workers.
• Ensure workers wear high-visibility clothing and appropriate PPE.
• Implement measures to prevent falling objects from the edges of the excavation.

3.5. Monitoring and Inspection:

• Regularly inspect the excavation for signs of instability, water accumulation, or other hazards.
• Monitor the weather conditions as changes can impact the stability of the excavation.

3.6. Backfilling and Restoration:

• Backfill the excavation site with suitable materials to prevent voids and settling.
• restore the area to its original condition and remove any barriers or fencing.

4.0. Hot Works

4.1. Risk Assessment:

• Identify the specific hot work to be performed (e.g., welding, cutting, soldering).
• Evaluate potential fire and explosion hazards in the work area.

4.2. Preparation:

• Select a suitable location for hot work, ensuring it is away from flammable materials.
• Remove or protect flammable materials in the vicinity of the hot work area.

4.3. Permit and Notification:

• Obtain a hot work permit from the appropriate authority.
• Notify relevant personnel about the nature, location, and timing of the hot work.

4.4. Fire Safety Equipment:

• Ensure proper fire extinguishing equipment (e.g., fire extinguishers, fire blankets) is readily available.
• Set up fire-resistant barriers or shields as needed.

4.5. Hot Work Operations:

• Ensure the hot work area is properly ventilated to prevent the accumulation of flammable gases.
• Use appropriate PPE, including flame-resistant clothing, face shields, and gloves.
• Have a fire watch personnel present during and after hot work to monitor for any sparks or flames.

4.6. Post-Work Inspection:

• After completing hot work, inspect the area for any smoldering materials or residual heat.
• Remove all debris and ensure no potential ignition sources remain.

5.0. Work with Oversize-Load

5.1. Planning:

• Determine the route for transporting the oversize load, considering obstacles, road conditions, and traffic.
• Check local regulations and permits required for transporting oversized loads.

5.2. Vehicle Preparation:

• Ensure the vehicle carrying the oversize load is properly inspected and maintained.
• Install necessary warning signs, flags, and lights to indicate the oversized load.

5.3. Traffic Management:

• Coordinate with local authorities and law enforcement to manage traffic during transportation.
• Use pilot vehicles to guide and warn other drivers about the oversize load.

5.4. Clearances and Obstacles:

• Identify overhead obstructions and ensure the load can safely pass beneath them.
• Make arrangements to temporarily remove or lift obstacles if necessary.

5.5. Safe Driving Practices:

• Train drivers on safe driving practices for oversized loads, including turning, braking, and maintaining a safe speed.

5.6. Communication:

• Maintain constant communication between the oversize load driver and the pilot vehicles.
• Use radios or other communication devices to relay information about road conditions and obstacles.

6.0. Working at Heights:

6.1. Risk Assessment:

• Identify the tasks that require working at heights and assess potential fall hazards.
• Determine the appropriate fall protection systems based on the height and nature of the work.

6.2. Fall Protection Equipment:

• Ensure workers have access to appropriate fall protection equipment such as harnesses, lanyards, and anchor points.

6.3. Training and Supervision:

• Provide training to workers on the proper use of fall protection equipment and safe working practices.
• Assign a competent supervisor to oversee work at heights and enforce safety protocols.

6.4. Equipment Inspection:

• Regularly inspect all fall protection equipment to ensure it is in good condition.
• Remove damaged or faulty equipment from service immediately.

6.5. Scaffolding and Platforms:

• Inspect scaffolds and platforms before use to ensure they are structurally sound and properly assembled.
• Ensure guardrails and toe boards are installed on elevated platforms.

6.7. Ladder Safety:

• Use appropriate ladders for the task and ensure they are stable and positioned on level ground.
• Maintain three points of contact while climbing and descending ladders.

6.8. Weather Conditions:

• Monitor weather conditions, especially strong winds that could increase the risk of falls.
• Suspend work at heights during adverse weather conditions.

7.0. Work with ESD or Fire and Gas Detection System

7.1. Preparation:

• Identify the specific equipment related to ESD (Emergency Shutdown) or fire and gas detection systems.
• Review system diagrams and documentation to understand the components and interconnections.

7.2. Isolation and Lockout:

• Identify all energy sources related to the systems and follow proper isolation and lockout procedures.
• Ensure only authorized personnel perform isolation and tagging.

7.3. Permit and Notification:

• Obtain necessary permits for working on the ESD or fire and gas detection systems.
• Notify relevant personnel about the scope and timing of the work.

7.4. Testing and Verification:

• Test the systems before work begins to ensure proper functioning and to identify potential hazards.
• Use appropriate testing equipment to confirm that no residual energy is present.

7.5. Work Procedures:

• Follow the manufacturer's guidelines and established procedures for maintenance, repairs, or upgrades.
• Ensure the work area is properly illuminated and well-ventilated.

7.6. Reinstatement and Testing:

• After completing work, reinstate the systems as per the manufacturer's recommendations.
• Test the systems thoroughly to confirm they are operational and all alarms are functioning.

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