WORK

PERMIT
SYSTEM

12/20/2019 WORK PERMIT 1

 WHY WORK PERMIT?
• A Process Industry handles flammables and
toxic materials - poses special risks.
• Maintenance Personnel are not adequately
familiar with process conditions.
• Operator will determine that it is safe to
perform the designated job.
• Basic purpose of permit system is to prevent
injuries to personnel.

cont.

12/20/2019 WORK PERMIT 2

 WHY WORK PERMIT?
• Protect property from damage
• Avoid fire
• Ensure that all work is carried out in
safest possible manner.
• Permit specifies the conditions and
procedure for safe execution.
• Required by law

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WORK PERMIT REQUIRMENT
Permit is required for the following jobs :
• Major & Minor Maintenance work.
• Inspection.
• Construction.
• Alteration.
• Process Equipment cleaning
• Entry into confined space.
• Excavation
• Vehicle entry into hazardous areas etc.

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 WORKS -
PERMIT NOT REQUIRED
• WORKS CARRIED OUT BY OPERATION
DEPARTMENT AS A PART OF ROUTINE
OPERATION.
• FIRE STATION
• FIRE TRAINING GROUND

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 TYPES OF PERMITS
• HOT WORK & VEHICLE ENTRY PERMIT
• CLEARENCE & COLD WORK PERMIT
• DYKE CUTTING & EXCAVATION PERMIT
• ROAD CUTTING & BLOCKAGE PERMIT
• VESSEL ENTRY/VESSEL BOX UP/EXCAVATION
• WORK AT HEIGHT / ON A.C. SHEET PERMIT
• RADIATION WORK PERMIT
• ELECTRIC LOTO

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 PROCEDURE FOR WORK PERMIT
SYSTEM(WPS)
• WPS OPERATE ON OWNER IN CHERGE CONCEPT
• PERMIT IN PRINTED FORM
• SEPARATE PERMIT FOR COLD & HOT WORK
• PERMIT COLOUR CODED, SERIAL NUMBER
• PERMIT INITIATION BY SUEPRVISOR.
• ALL PERMITS TO BE WRITTEN IN CAPITAL LETTERS
• WORK ORDER/LOA NO. TO BE MENTIONED ON PERMIT
• LOCATION DRAWING/SKETCH TO BE GIVEN ALONG
WITH PERMIT.
• RISK EVALUATION CHECKLIST TO BE TICKED BY
ISSUER, NOT BY EXECUTOR.

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 ESSENTIAL ELEMENTS OF
WORK PERMIT FORMAT
1 Permit title
2 Permit number. Reference to other relevant permits or
isolation certificates
3 Job location
4 Plant identification
5 Description of work to be done and its limitations.
6 Hazard identification - including residual hazards and hazards
introduced by the work

12/20/2019 WORK PERMIT 8

 ESSENTIAL ELEMENTS OF
WORK PERMIT FORMAT
7 Precautions necessary - person(s) who carries out
precautions, eg isolations, should sign that precautions
have been taken
8 Protective equipment
9 Authorisation - signature confirming that isolations have
been made and precautions taken, except where these
can only be taken during the work. Date and time duration of
permit
10 Acceptance - signature confirming understanding of work to
be done, hazards involved and precautions required. Also
confirming permit information has been explained to all workers
involved

12/20/2019 WORK PERMIT 9

 ESSENTIAL ELEMENTS OF
WORK PERMIT FORMAT
12 Hand back - signed by acceptor certifying work completed.
Signed by issuer certifying work completed and plant ready
for testing and recommissioning.
13 Cancellation - certifying work tested and plant satisfactorily
re-commissioned

12/20/2019 WORK PERMIT 10

 PROCEDURE FOR WORK PERMIT
SYSTEM(WPS)
HOT WORKPERMIT
• EXECUTOR TO INITIATE THE FIRE PERMIT-
DUATION,LOCATION, EQUP.TAG NO., NATURE OF WORK,
NAME & SIGNATURE. EXECUTOR NOT LESS THAN “A”
GRADE OFFICER
• GSI( B GRADE AND ABOVE)-CHECK THE PERMIT,
EVALUATE THE RISK,TICK 30 ITEMS AS APPLICABLE,
SPECIAL INSTRUCTION IN SPACE PROVIDED IN PERMIT
TO PREPARE THE AREA /EQUIPMENT TO CARRY OUT
THE HOT WORK.
• SHIFT IN CHRAGE IN E/N SHIFT TO FOLLOW UP &
DIRECT PREPARATIONS. N/SHIFT TO INSPECT THE AREA
/EQUIPMENT JUST BEFORE THE SHIFT CHANGE AND
LEAVE MESSAGE FOR FPS(C GRADE AND ABOVE)IN
SHIFT LOG BOOK.

12/20/2019 WORK PERMIT 11

 PROCEDURE FOR WORK PERMIT
SYSTEM(WPS)
HOT WORKPERMIT
• FPS AFTER GOING THROUGH LOG BOOK
,ACCOMPANIED BY GSI & EXECUTOR INSPECT THE
AREA, SATISFY HIMSELF WITH PREPARTIONS AND THEN
SIGN THE PERMIT.
• PERMIT TO BE RECEIVED BY EXECUTOR BY SIGNING.
• REGISTRATION AT FIRE STATION.
• PINK COPY FOR EXECUTOR/ WHITE FOR ISSUER
• ISSUER REPRESENTATIVE-SHIFT PNE/SPNE/SPUE TO
CARRY OUT GAS TEST, INSPECT THE AREA, ENSURE
COMPLIANCE OF ALL SAFETY PRECAUTION GIVEN IN
PERMIT , THEN ISSUE CLEARENCE CERTIFICATE TO
START THE JOB.

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 VALIDITY OF HOT WORK PERMIT
HOT WORK PERMIT
• NORMAL 8 HOURS( 8AM-5 PM). BEYOND 5 PM
RENEWABLE AFTER AUTHORISATION FROM
HOD.RENEW AT FIRE STATION ON EXTENSION.
• NORMAL HOT JOBS IN NIGHT SHIFT NOT ALLOWED
UNLESS JOB IS URGENT, PERMISSION FROM HOD REQD.
• FOR EACH LOCATION/EQUIPMENT SEPARATE HOT
WORK PERMIT REQUIRED IN PROCESS UNITS
• IN OFFSITE:DISTANCE EXCEEDING 15 METERS,
SEPARATE FIRE PERMIT.

12/20/2019 WORK PERMIT 13

 WHO CAN SIGN A WORK
PERMIT
• Personnel who are authorized to sign on the
Work Permit shall have thorough knowledge of
the work to be performed and the conditions
under which the work will be performed.

12/20/2019 WORK PERMIT 14

 ISSUING AUTHORITY OF
WORK PERMIT
• Issuing authority is responsible for
preparation and handing over of the
equipment in safe condition to perform
the work.
• Authority to issue all types of work
permits is generally granted to shift
supervisor

12/20/2019 WORK PERMIT 15

 EXECUTING AUTHORITY
OF WORK PERMIT
• Request for a work permit by
executing authority. He shall indicate
types of tools and equipment necessary
for performing the work.
• He shall also ensure his tools,
equipment and accessories are in good
condition and all his workers are
provided with proper PPE.

12/20/2019 WORK PERMIT 16

 PREPARATION OF THE
EQUIPMENT
• Equipment electrically isolated
• Inspection tested(for cold & hot job)
• Isolated from steam,air & gas
• Depressurized
• Drained
• Positively isolated/blinded
• Steamed & water flushed

12/20/2019 WORK PERMIT 17

 PREPARATION OF EQUIP.
CONTD.

• Ventilated & gas freed

• Continuous inert gas flow / continuous
adequate ventilation arranged.
• Vehicle/equipment in good condition with
spark arrested
• Radiation source removed(Confined space
entry)

12/20/2019 WORK PERMIT 18

 RESIDUAL HAZARDS
• Lack of oxygen
• H2S and/or any other toxic gases
• Combustible gases
• Corrosive chemicals
• Steam / Condensate
• Pyrophoric iron
• High humidity
12/20/2019 WORK PERMIT 19
 PROTECTION MEASURES
• Protective clothing
• Hearing protection
• Safety Harness
• Eye protection
• Face protection
• Respiratory protection
• Keep fire equipment stand-by
12/20/2019 WORK PERMIT 20
 PROTECTIVE MEASURES
CONTD.
• Barricade the area
• Remove flammable and combustible
• Cover with fire retardant tarpaulin
• Crane with basket stand-by
• Attendance with Airline set
• keep man ways open
• Allow minimum possible no. of persons
inside confined space

12/20/2019 WORK PERMIT 21

 PROTECTIVE MEASURES
CONTD.

• To ensure positive isolation & maintain it

all through
• Ensure adequate ventilation all through
• Display copy of entry permit near entry
manhole

12/20/2019 WORK PERMIT 22

 ELECTRICAL ISOLATION
• Before issuing a Work Permit, it is essential to
ensure that the equipment / facility to be
worked on is electrically safe and electrical
power is isolated to the extent necessary for the
safe conduct of the authorized work.
• Issuing, Executing authorities and Electrical
Maintenance shall jointly decide the extent of
isolation required.

12/20/2019 WORK PERMIT 23

• ‘DO NOT OPERATE’ tag shall be used when
isolation by local switch is decided as adequate
protection.
• Multi-lock systems to be used when different
crafts are involved.(this is towards best safety
practices)

12/20/2019 WORK PERMIT 24

 SPECIAL REQUIREMENT FOR -
WORKING WITH RADIOGRAPHY

• Risk assessment through checklist

• Barricade the area and provide adequate
warning signs.
• Film badges and Dosimeters shall be worn by
personnel handling radiography equip.
• job preferably during night time or with least
or no person around.
• Continuous monitoring of cordoned off area
12/20/2019 WORK PERMIT 25
 SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS
FOR HOT WORK
• The person who authorizes the Hot Work
Permit is responsible for ensuring that the site
and the equipment are properly prepared to
prevent the danger of fire & explosion
involving flammable material.
• The equipment shall be emptied and cleaned of
flammable materials and isolated from sources
of hydrocarbons by means of disconnection,
blanking or insertion of blinds.

12/20/2019 WORK PERMIT 26

• Equipment and surrounding areas shall be
checked to ensure that they are free from any
combustible gas. Carry out gas test.
• Any heavy oil deposit, dried vegetation or other
flammable / combustible materials within 8 m
of a hot work site shall be cleared away.
• No hot work shall be allowed within a radius of
15 m of any sample point, drain or relief valve
outlet unless precautions have been taken to
prevent the escape of flammable liquids and
vapors.

12/20/2019 WORK PERMIT 27

• The outlet of all units drain seals within 15 m of
the hot work shall be plugged.
• If welding or grinding is to be done at height,
then precautions shall be taken to prevent the
spread of sparks and molten metal to the
surrounding of the work area with fire-
resisting or flame-retarding tarpaulin.
• A hose capable of reaching up to the hot work
point and connected to fire water main.
• Fire Station shall be informed of hot work.

12/20/2019 WORK PERMIT 28

•
VEHICLE ENTRY
A Hot Work / Vehicle Entry Permit is required for
entry of all vehicles in hazardous areas. Such areas
shall be clearly demarcated with signs indicating
“No Entry without Vehicle Entry Permit” and/or
with removable chain.
• The signatory authorities shall ensure that all
vehicles / equipment exhaust are equipped with
spark arrestors of approved type.
• Entry shall only be allowed for loading and
unloading of materials and not for passenger
transport.

12/20/2019 WORK PERMIT 29

 REQUIREMENTS FOR
CONFINED SPACE ENTRY

• The process vessel / equipment is to be

positively isolated by blinding.
• Shall be made safe for entry by depressurizing,
venting, draining, steaming, washing and
ventilating. Radiation sources ,if any, shall be
removed.
• The atmosphere within the confined space
shall be checked initially and periodically(gas
test).
12/20/2019 WORK PERMIT 30
 EXCAVATION
AUTHORIZATION
• An excavation authorization is required for all
excavations. Detail drawings of the
underground facilities shall remain attached
with the authorization if available.
• In addition to an Excavation Authorization a
Cold / Hot work Permit is required to work.
• For excavations more than 1.2 meter deep
confined space entry permit is required. Gas
tests shall be done as per entry permit
requirements.

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 SUSPENSION OF WORK
PERMIT
• All work shall immediately stop when a
fire or emergency alarm is sounded or
accident of any kind occurs. Approval
from the F&S shall be obtained after
necessary preliminary investigations, to
resume such work.
• The Work Permit shall be revalidated to
resume the work.
12/20/2019 WORK PERMIT 32
• Any responsible member of the F&S is
authorized to suspend work and
withdraw the Work Permit if, safety
regulations are violated.
• If work is not started or is stopped for
over two hours, the permit shall be
revalidated by the issuing authority.

12/20/2019 WORK PERMIT 33

 VALIDITY OF PERMIT
• Work permit shall be initially issued for a
period of 8 hrs. and shall be renewed for
one more shift .
• On need basis , permit can be given for
max. 7 days period.
• Clearance to be obtained every shift.
• Clearance to be given after physically
checking the site.

12/20/2019 WORK PERMIT 34

 CLOSING AND FILING OF
USED WORK PERMITS
• Permit Closure: Duly filled and signed by both
executing & issuing authority at completion of
work
• Copies of the closed permits shall be properly
filed and kept with the respective disciplines
for at least one month from the date of
issue/closure. Different types of permits shall
be filed separately in chronological order in
box files.

12/20/2019 WORK PERMIT 35

BASIC RESPONSIBILITIES OF
ISSUING AUTHORITY
• To prepare the equipment and properly tick
the checklist items
• To identify & indicate any residual hazard
• To advise on protective measures & mention
• To carry out gas test wherever reqd. and
enter the result with sign,date & time

12/20/2019 WORK PERMIT 36

 RESPONSIBILITIES OF ISSUING
AUTHORITY CONTD.
• To discuss & explain with/to executing
authority
• Carry out electrical isolation whenever
required
• Close the permit when the job is complete
or end of permit duration, which one is
earlier.
• To preserve the permit for next one month.

12/20/2019 WORK PERMIT 37

BASIC RESPONSIBILITIES OF
EXECUTING AUTHORITY
• To clearly understand the conditions of the
equipment and residual hazards
• To discuss the above with issuing authority
and decide upon the protective measures.
• To describe the job and associated hazards to
the workmen
• To ensure that safe procedure of execution
are being followed

12/20/2019 WORK PERMIT 38

 RESPONSIBILITIES OF
EXECUTING AUTHORITY
• To check all the hand tools / devices
/equipment and ensure that they are healthy
• To make the permit available at work site all
the time
• To close the permit when the job is over or
at the end of permit duration,which one is
earlier.
• To preserve the closed permit for next one
month

12/20/2019 WORK PERMIT 39

 AUDITOR’S CHECK-LIST
An Auditor shall check the following:
• Whether the exact location of area/unit &
equipment has been mentioned clearly
• Detail description of work is properly
written
• Fire station has been informed and properly
ticked

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 AUDITOR’S CHECK- LIST
• Permit issued to which Dept., Div.,Section
& Craft - all mentioned
• Equipment preparation - Equipment has
been properly prepared, all checklist items
area properly checked & ticked
• Residual Hazards - Identified and
ticked/indicated
• Protective Measures- Requirements
identified & properly marked
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 AUDITOR’S CHECK-LIST
• Other details - like provision of continuous
ventilation, additional precautions
• GAS TEST:
• Test for all probable gases carried out and
reading recorded with sign., date & time
etc.
• Frequency of rechecking identified and
carried out

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 AUDITOR’S CHECK-LIST
• Electrical isolation was reqd., carried out
and documented.
• Both issuing & executing authority signed
mentioning name & signature, date & time.

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 AUDITOR’S CHECK-LIST

• Permit has been closed by both issuing

& executing authority with date & time
• Closed permits has been kept properly
filed and being preserved for next one
month

12/20/2019 WORK PERMIT 44

 Road cutting& blockage permit

• Request by executor(A grade and above) by

filling all the entries and attaching
sketch/indicating on reverse of permit form
• clearance from electrical maintenance
• Clearance from Civil
• Clearance from F&S
• Permit registered at Fire Station.
• On completion , permit return to Fire Station.

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 Excavation & Dyke cutting

• Request by executor(A grade and above)

by filling all the entries and attaching
sketch/indicating on permit form
• clearance from electrical maintenance
• Clearance from F&S
• Registered at Fire Station.
• On completion , permit closure and return
to Fire Station/ Area in charge.

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GENERAL WORK PERMIT

This permit is issued for relatively low risk jobs done with the limit
of a plant or area.

Example
Routine maintenance done on machine
VESSEL ENTRY PERMIT

These permits are issued when an employee needs to enter

and work inside a confined space.

Examples
Working inside a Tank
Working inside a Silo
Working inside pits
VESSEL ENTRY PRECAUTIONS

Ensure that the area is fully cleaned and entire material is removed

Check the Oxygen level before entry

Ensure that no flammables are present

Check for adequate ventilation, provide blowers otherwise

Ensure proper PPE’s & life line is provided

Adequate supervision to be provided

HEIGHT WORK PERMIT

This permit is generally issued when a work has to be carried

out at a height of 2 Mts or above on a temporary structure.

Examples
Replacement/ Repair of pumping lines
Replacement of Roof Sheets
Painting work of buildings/towers
 PRECAUTIONS FOR HEIGHT WORK

Ensure that the area below is fully cordoned/barricaded

Proper scaffoldings are provided

PPE’s are issued to all employees – Helmet, Double rope

Safety belt, Safety net etc

Competent supervision is provided

Day specific work permits are issued

Authorisation by competent person

Proper procedure for emergency situation

ELECTRICAL WORK PERMIT

Specific permit to be issued for work on HT & LT installations.

Only Competent persons should be authorised for work

Special PPE’s to be provided

Documented level of authorisation responsibility

Adequate control for lockout system