QBE RM Standards, Permit to Work

Risk Management StandardsPermit to workCasualtyRisk ManagementBest practice standardsBest practice guidance for permit to work systems:A permit to work system is a formal recorded process forcontrolling potentially hazardous work. It forms a means ofcommunication between those carrying out a job, supervisorsand site managers. A permit system has to have clearidentification of who can authorise hazardous work and whostipulates the safety measures, training and instruction on theissue, use and closure of permits. Monitoring and auditing ofthe system will ensure it is used properly, with clear identificationof the hazardous work, permitted tasks and duration andthe specific control measures. The permit itself is a paperform or electronic certificate that communicates the relevantinformation to the parties concerned. The document authorisescertain people to carry out specific work at a specific place in aspecific timeframe and gives clear detail on the required safetyprecautions. Permit to work systems are used when the job couldaffect the safety of personnel, plant or the environment. The riskassessment process should identify the need for a permit systemto be used. They are normally used for non-production work,non-routine operations, jobs where safety needs two parties tocoordinate work and jobs where responsibilities transfer from oneperson to another. The permit alone does not guarantee safety, itis part of a system that requires different stakeholders to play theirpart and consider foreseeable risks and necessary precautions.Take all necessary steps before issuing a permit, e.g. riskassessment, instruction, isolation etc.Ensure there is proper authorisation to do the job by anauthorised person and that all persons sign to acknowledgetheir understanding of the permit and the controls to follow.Make clear the identity, nature, extent of the work andthe hazards involved. Specify limitations to the extent andtimescale of the work, any hazardous environments andthe required safety precautions.Ensure enough information is being included on the task aswell as necessary equipment and PPE.Identify those persons involved in the job and ensure theyhave the necessary resources.Ensure the person in charge of the workplace is aware ofthe hazardous work and its timescale.Record checks made by appropriate persons on the workand the precautions taken.Ensure that the permits are appropriately displayed andkept on file.Have a procedure for when work has to stop before the jobis completed.Control other work activities which may impinge on thehazardous work being undertaken.Have a hand over procedure for when the job spans morethan one shift.Have a formal hand back procedure to ensure plant isreinstated in a safe condition.Use a change management process for when hazards arereassessed, for assessing the impact of change on otherprocesses and for effectively communicating change.Consult staff before implementing a permit to work systemto maximize their buy in to the system.Ensure staff are suitably trained and instructed to use thesystem effectively.Consider human factors such as stress and fatigue.

Legal requirementsThe use of permit to work systems is specifically required forhazardous tasks in the offshore sector by Regulation 10 of theOffshore Installations and Pipeline Works (Management andAdministration) Regulations 1992. The guidance documentaccompanying the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 alsosuggests permit systems for work on electrical equipment whilstit is dead. Otherwise, there is a long list of important piecesof legislation which require management systems to controlhazardous work, these include:--Confined Spaces Regulations 1997--Control of Major Accident Hazards Regulations 1999--Control of Substances Hazardous to HealthRegulations 2002--Dangerous Substances and Explosive AtmospheresRegulations 2002--Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations1998--Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations1998.Guidance and useful information• HS(G)5 Hot Work: welding and cutting on plant containingflammable materials• OIAC Guidance on permit to work systems in the petroleumindustry, HSC, 1997• IND(G)98(Rev3) Permit to Work Systems, HSE 1997.Further informationFor more information please visit: www.QBEeurope.com/rm oremail us on RM@uk.qbe.comQBE European OperationsPlantation Place30 Fenchurch StreetLondonEC3M 3BDtel +44 (0)20 7105 4000fax +44 (0)20 7105 4019enquiries@uk.qbe.comwww.QBEeurope.comDisclaimerThis publication has been produced by QBE Insurance (Europe) Ltd (“QIEL”). QIEL is a company member of the QBEInsurance Group. Readership of this publication does not create an insurer-client, or other business or legal relationship.This publication provides information about the law to help you to understand and manage risk within your organisation. For fulldetails of the disclaimer surrounding this publication please visit http://www.qbeeurope.com/legal/publication-disclaimer.asp3379/QBERMStandards/PermittoWork/Sept2012QBE European Operations is a trading name of QBE Insurance (Europe) Limited and QBE Underwriting Limited. QBE Insurance (Europe) Limited and QBEUnderwriting Limited are authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority. QBE Management Services (UK) Limited and QBE Underwriting Services (UK)Limited are both Appointed Representatives of QBE Insurance (Europe) Limited and QBE Underwriting Limited.