MODULE 2 : TUTORIAL 2

WORK PERMIT SYSTEM

Definition: A Work Permit System is a formal written system used to control

certain types of work that are identified as hazardous. The permit specifies the
work to be done and the precautions to be taken.
Aim: The primary aim of the Work Permit System is to ensure that:
1. Only authorized persons are allowed to work in hazardous areas.
2. Workers are aware of safety issues and that necessary precautions are in
place.
3. Work permits act as legal documents between the issuer and executor,
ensuring safe commencement of the job.
4. Responsibilities are distributed evenly, ensuring that all safety measures
are in place before work begins.
Purpose & Objectives:
The purpose of the Work Permit System is to describe procedures and
guidelines for carrying out jobs in the safest possible manner, including
inspection, testing, maintenance, alteration, repair, and construction. The
objectives include:
 Exercising control over hazardous activities.
 Ensuring communication between all involved parties.
 Defining and authorizing work clearly.
 Specifying precautions to be taken.
 Ensuring understanding of hazards by those executing the job.

Types of Work Permits:

Type of Description Issued By Who Applies
Work
Permit
Hot Work Required for any Safety Worker/Contractor
Permit work that generates Officer or
heat, sparks, or has Authorized
the potential to ignite Person
flammable materials.
Cold Work Issued for tasks that Safety Worker/Contractor
Permit do not involve "hot Officer or
work" but still pose Supervisor
 hazards, such as
routine maintenance,
cleaning, etc.
Confined Needed for work in Confined Worker/Contractor
Space enclosed or partially Space Entry
Permit enclosed spaces Supervisor
where hazardous
atmospheres might
exist.
Electrical Required for any Electrical Electrician/Technician
Work work on or near Safety
Permit electrical installations Officer
that could be
hazardous.
Excavation Issued before digging Site Manager Contractor/Engineer
Permit or excavation work to or
ensure that all Authorized
underground utilities Person
are identified and
safe.
Height Required for any Safety Worker/Contractor
Work work at heights where Officer or
Permit there is a risk of Supervisor
falling.
Radiation Needed for any work Radiation Technician/Contractor
Work that involves Safety
Permit exposure to radiation Officer
or radioactive
materials.
Chemical Required when Chemical Worker/Technician
Handling handling hazardous Safety
Permit chemicals to ensure Officer or
proper safety Supervisor
measures are in place.
Isolation Used to ensure that all Authorized Maintenance Worker
Permit energy sources Person or
(mechanical, Supervisor
 electrical, etc.) are
isolated before work
begins.
Lifting Required for lifting Lifting Crane
Operation operations to ensure Supervisor or Operator/Contractor
Permit that equipment and Safety
processes are safe. Officer
Application Process for Work Permits:
Step Description
1. Identify the Determine the type of work to be carried out and
Work Type identify the corresponding permit required.
2. Permit Request The worker or contractor applies for the permit by
submitting a request form to the appropriate authority.
3. Risk Assessment Conduct a risk assessment to identify potential hazards
and the necessary precautions.
4. Permit Review The safety officer or authorized person reviews the
request and risk assessment.
5. Issuance of If all safety measures are in place, the permit is issued
Permit with specific instructions and conditions.
6. Execution of The work is carried out as per the instructions
Work provided in the permit.
7. Monitoring and Continuous monitoring of the work to ensure
Supervision compliance with the permit conditions.
8. Closure of Permit Once the work is completed, the permit is closed and
documented by the authorized person.
Key Points to Remember:
 Authorization: Only authorized personnel can issue permits.
 Communication: Clear communication between the issuer, executor, and
other involved parties is critical.
 Safety Measures: All safety measures must be in place before starting
work.
 Documentation: Permits must be documented and stored for future
reference.
 Training: Workers must be trained on the types of permits and the
process of obtaining them.
Roles and Responsibilities:
 Role Responsibilities
Permit Issuer Reviews permit applications, conducts risk
assessments, and issues permits.
Permit Executor Ensures work is carried out according to the permit’s
instructions and safety requirements.
Safety Officer Monitors work sites for compliance with safety
regulations and the conditions set out in the permit.
Supervisor/Manager Oversees work, ensuring that the permit system is
followed and that safety protocols are observed.
Workers/ Apply for the appropriate permit, follow instructions,
Contractors and report any issues to the safety officer.
Incident 1: "The Fiery Welding Mishap"

Description:
At a construction site, a worker was performing welding on a metal structure
when sparks ignited nearby flammable materials. The fire quickly spread,
causing minor burns to the worker and damage to the site.
Questions:
1. What type of work permit should have been issued?
A) Cold Work Permit
B) Hot Work Permit
C) Confined Space Entry Permit
D) Electrical Work Permit
2. What safety measures should have been in place to prevent the fire?

Incident 2: "The Slippery Disaster"

Description:
During routine maintenance, a worker slipped on an oil spill in a machinery
room. The spill had not been cleaned up, and there were no warning signs
posted.
Questions:
1. What type of work permit should have been issued?
A) Confined Space Entry Permit
B) Electrical Work Permit
C) Cold Work Permit
D) Excavation Permit
2. What precautions should have been taken to address the oil spill?
Incident 3: "The Missing Man in the Tank"
Description:
A worker was sent to inspect the inside of a storage tank. The worker did not
return for hours, and it was later discovered that they had passed out due to lack
of oxygen in the confined space.
Questions:
1. What type of work permit should have been issued?
A) Hot Work Permit
B) Confined Space Entry Permit
C) Electrical Work Permit
D) Lifting Operations Permit
2. What safety procedures should have been implemented?

Incident 4: "The Shock of the Wires"

Description:
An electrician was repairing a power line when he accidentally came into
contact with a live wire, resulting in an electric shock. The power line had not
been de-energized before the work began.
Questions:
1. What type of work permit should have been issued?
A) Electrical Work Permit
B) Cold Work Permit
C) Hot Work Permit
D) Radiation Work Permit
 2. What precautions should have been taken to ensure the electrician's
safety?
Incident 5: "The Deep Dig"
Description:
A construction crew was digging a trench when the walls of the trench
collapsed, trapping a worker inside. The trench had not been properly shored,
and there was no safety inspection conducted before the work began.
Questions:
1. What type of work permit should have been issued?
A) Work at Heights Permit
B) Excavation Permit
C) Lifting Operations Permit
D) Confined Space Entry Permit
2. What safety measures should have been implemented to prevent the
trench collapse?
Incident 6: "The High-Rise Fall"
Description:
A worker was installing roofing materials on a high-rise building when he lost
his balance and fell several stories. The worker was not wearing any fall
protection equipment.
Questions:
1. What type of work permit should have been issued?
A) Work at Heights Permit
B) Confined Space Entry Permit
C) Hot Work Permit
D) Electrical Work Permit
2. What safety measures should have been in place to protect the
worker?

Incident 7: "The Radioactive Routine"

Description:
During maintenance of a piece of equipment that uses radioactive materials,
workers were exposed to higher-than-expected radiation levels. No special
precautions had been taken before starting the job.
Questions:
1. What type of work permit should have been issued?
 A) Hot Work Permit
B) Confined Space Entry Permit
C) Radiation Work Permit
D) Cold Work Permit
2. What precautions should have been taken to ensure safety from
radiation exposure?
Incident 8: "The Crane Catastrophe"
Description:
A crane was being used to lift heavy materials on a construction site when the
load became unbalanced, causing the crane to tip over. There had been no prior
inspection of the crane or the lifting plan.
Questions:
1. What type of work permit should have been issued?
A) Excavation Permit
B) Lifting Operations Permit
C) Hot Work Permit
D) Work at Heights Permit
2. What safety measures should have been implemented to prevent the crane
from tipping over?
Incident 9: "The Chemical Spill"
Description:
A worker was handling hazardous chemicals without proper containment. The
chemicals spilled, causing environmental damage and requiring an emergency
cleanup.
Questions:
1. What type of work permit should have been issued?
A) Electrical Work Permit
B) Hot Work Permit
C) Environmental Work Permit
D) Cold Work Permit
2. What precautions should have been in place to prevent the spill?

Incident 10: "The Isolated Incident"

Description:
A maintenance team was working on a piece of machinery when it
unexpectedly activated, causing injuries to the workers. The machine had not
been properly isolated from its energy source.
Questions:
1. What type of work permit should have been issued?
A) Cold Work Permit
B) Hot Work Permit
C) Electrical Work Permit
D) Isolation Permit
2. What procedures should have been followed to prevent the machinery
from activating?
Expected Answer: Incident 1
 Permit: Hot Work Permit
 Safety Measures: Removal of flammable materials, fire watch, fire
extinguishers on-site.
Expected Answer: Incident 2
 Permit: Cold Work Permit
 Safety Measures: Immediate cleanup of spills, placement of warning
signs.
Expected Answer: Incident 3
 Permit: Confined Space Entry Permit
 Safety Measures: Air quality testing, continuous monitoring, use of
safety harness, rescue plan.
Expected Answer: Incident 4
 Permit: Electrical Work Permit
 Safety Measures: Lockout/tagout procedures, de-energizing the power
line.
Expected Answer: Incident 5
 Permit: Excavation Permit
 Safety Measures: Proper shoring, regular safety inspections.

Expected Answer: Incident 6

 Permit: Work at Heights Permit
 Safety Measures: Use of safety harnesses, guardrails, and fall arrest
systems.
Expected Answer: Incident 7
 Permit: Radiation Work Permit
  Safety Measures: Use of radiation detectors, protective clothing, and
limiting exposure time.
Expected Answer: Incident 8
 Permit: Lifting Operations Permit
 Safety Measures: Proper load assessment, crane inspection, use of a
lifting plan.
Expected Answer: Incident 9
 Permit: Environmental Work Permit
 Safety Measures: Proper containment, use of spill kits, and training on
handling hazardous materials.
Expected Answer: Incident 10
 Permit: Isolation Permit
 Safety Measures: Lockout/tagout procedures, verification of energy
isolation.