permit to work documents/whs... · the ptw process forms part of the site access and works control...

Permit to Work

Procedure

Corporate Safety – Procedure Permit to Work

The controlled version of this document is registered. All other versions are uncontrolled Document Number: PRO-00900 Version Date: 19/11/2012 Page: 2 of 23 Document Owner: Y Dong Document Approver: Manager, WH&S

Table of Contents

1. Purpose .......................................................................................................................... 4

2. Scope ............................................................................................................................. 4

3. Definitions ...................................................................................................................... 4

4. Roles and Responsibilities ............................................................................................. 7

4.1 Level 3 Manager ......................................................................................................... 7

4.2 Manager, Workplace Health and Safety ...................................................................... 8

4.3 Supervisor .................................................................................................................. 8

4.4 Permit Recipient ......................................................................................................... 8

4.5 Second Person ........................................................................................................... 9

4.6 Access Officer ............................................................................................................ 9

4.7 Permit User ................................................................................................................. 9

4.8 2nd Tier Permit Authority ............................................................................................ 9

5. Permit to Work Process Flow ........................................................................................11

6. Permit to Work Function ................................................................................................12

6.1 A PTW is issued to: ...................................................................................................12

6.2 A PTW is required for the following activities: ............................................................12

7. Hardware & Software ....................................................................................................13

7.1 The hardware used in the PTW process includes: .....................................................13

8. Permit to Work Process .................................................................................................13

8.1 Application for a Permit to Work .................................................................................13

8.2 Call outs/ Breakdowns / Reactive Work .....................................................................14

8.3 Approval for Work ......................................................................................................14

8.4 Arrival at Site Entrance ..............................................................................................14

8.5 Arrival on Site ............................................................................................................15

8.6 PTW Activation ..........................................................................................................16

8.7 Undertaking Isolations ..............................................................................................16

8.8 Issuing 2nd Tier Permits ............................................................................................17

8.9 Carrying out Work Under an Activated Permit to Work...............................................17

8.10 Changes to the Work Under the Permit to Work ........................................................18

8.11 Break in Work ............................................................................................................18

8.12 Change of Permit Recipient .......................................................................................18

8.12.1 Change in Permit Recipient, no Break in Work: .....................................................19

8.12.2 Change in Permit Recipient, Break in Work: ..........................................................19

8.12.3 Change in Permit Recipient, Recommencing Work: ..............................................19

8.13 De-Isolating ...............................................................................................................19

8.14 Inching and Testing ...................................................................................................20



8.15 Completion of Work Under the Permit to Work ..........................................................21

9. Multiple Permits to Work ................................................................................................21

10. Disciplinary Action .....................................................................................................22

11. Associated Documents ..............................................................................................23

12. Appendix....................................................................................................................23

12.1 Emergency Management ...........................................................................................23



1. Purpose

The Permit to Work (PTW) procedure defines the minimum requirements to provide a safe

system of Work when plant is taken from service for breakdown, maintenance or capital work

and when Work is not controlled as Pre-Approved Work at Seqwater operational sites. The

system also provides a trigger for the use of other permits for high risk work (2nd Tier

Permits) such as hot work, work at heights, confined spaces work, excavation, fault finding,

HV, and grid mesh, handrail and flooring removal.

This procedure is a documented system that provides a notification of intent and an approval

process, to undertake a specific scope of Work.

2. Scope

The PTW process forms part of the Site Access and Works Control System (SAWCS) and

covers Seqwater employees, contractors and sub-contractor employees engaged in

operational, maintenance, inspection, construction, commissioning, decommissioning or

alteration activities, that are not controlled as Pre-Approved Work, carried out at Seqwater

owned and operated sites.

All principal contractors shall abide by this procedure or submit a Safety Management Plan

for endorsement by the Seqwater Workplace Health and Safety and Environment

Departments. Any submitted Safety Management Plan must, as a minimum, achieve the

intent of this procedure.

3. Definitions

TERM DEFINITION

2nd Tier Permits

Any permit used at Seqwater owned and operated sites to manage

specific High Risk hazards, e.g. hot work, work at heights, confined

spaces work, excavation, fault finding, HV, and grid mesh, handrail and

flooring removal .

2nd Tier Permit

Authority

A Worker holding the appropriate licences, tickets and industry regulated

competencies relevant to the 2nd tier task they are performing. They

approve and issue the relevant 2nd Tier Permit.

Access Officer

The officer in control of dams, natural areas, facilities or water treatment

plants who is nominated to maintain the responsibilities of this

procedure. The Access Officer in responsible for assessing and

approving/rejecting access requests and PTW’s. They must ensure the

proposed work does not produce conflicts in operational and

maintenance requirements for the site and identify area specific and

process hazards that the Worker may not be aware of.



TERM DEFINITION

Additional Isolator

Isolations are discipline specific. Isolations and de-isolations must only

be performed within the Workers training, qualifications and competency

e.g.

Only licensed electricians may perform electrical isolations within an

electrical exclusion zone.

As a result, Permit Recipients will require additional resources to carry

out isolations when working with energy sources requiring multi

discipline isolations.

Additional Isolators work only under the direction of the Permit Recipient

or the Pre-Approved Worker.

Applicant

Person applying for access and or PTW from the Access Officer. The

Applicant may be requesting access on behalf of the Worker or

requesting access for themselves and their work party.

Break in work Any time a Permit Recipient or Permit User of a PTW needs to leave a

job for any period of time other than for meal and ablution breaks.

CIS Corporate Information System

De-isolation The process of re-energising hazardous energy sources

Equipment

Identification Tag

Equipment Identification Tags are used to formally identify

equipment (in the field) and associate it to Pre-Approved Work or a

particular PTW.

Equipment Identification Tags are placed by the Pre-Approved

Worker or Permit Recipient prior to the commencement of any work

under the control of a PTW.

Equipment Identification Tags should be removed by the Worker-in-

Charge or Permit Recipient upon the completion of the task.

Equipment Identification Tags are green in colour.

Emergency

An emergency is the sudden, unexpected, or impending situation that

may cause injury, loss of life, damage to property, and/or interference

with the normal activities of a worker or operations and which, therefore,

requires immediate attention and remedial action. e.g. fire, flood,

medical emergency.

Hazardous Energy

Sources of energy that have the potential to cause injury, property

damage or impact on the integrity of water supply. These sources may

include:

Electrical energy

Influx of water or liquids

Material/substances under

pressure

Rotating or moving parts

Release of toxic or caustic

substances

Potential energy

HV High Voltage



TERM DEFINITION

Isolation

Instruction

A documented instruction on the isolations required to be performed in

order to safely conduct Permit to Work tasks. It contains explicit

instructions to:

Identify isolation points

Positively isolate

Discharge stored energy

Lock and Tag out

Test for dead, prove for dead

De-isolate

Inch and Test

The Isolation Instruction is developed by the Permit Recipient, and

reviewed by the Access Officer prior to use.

Inch and Test

The process of functional testing of equipment during commissioning.

The Inch and Test Program may require the partial or full de-isolation of

equipment and is recorded on the Isolation Instruction.

Isolation Point A point at which an Isolation Lock and Tag can be applied to effect

positive isolation.

JSEA Job Safety and Environmental Analysis

Level 3 Manager Seqwater Managers directly responsible for the day to day operation of

water production facilities and plant.

Operational Site Any Seqwater owned and/or operated site.

Permit Board

A board consisting of a lockable compartment and document holder that

also provides multiple lockout capability

Permit Boards provide the security for keys from Isolation Locks used to

positively isolate equipment.

Permit boards are used for the retention and displaying of documents

associated to the Permit to Work/ Pre-Approved Work (PTW form, 2nd

Tier Permits, Isolation Instructions, Work Order, etc).

Permit boards are a common personal lockout point for all Workers to

apply their Personal Danger Locks and Tags, protecting themselves from

hazardous energy.

Permit Boards may also be used for Pre-Approved Work where there are

multiple isolations and there is a need for Isolation Lock keys to be

secured in a central location.

Permit Recipient

Any worker formally trained and assessed competent to complete tasks

and accept conditions listed on the Permit to Work. The Permit

Recipient in charge of the Work. They are responsible for applying for

access, coordinating the PTW and any isolations.



4. Roles and Responsibilities

4.1 Level 3 Manager

Level 3 Managers are responsible for:

TERM DEFINITION

Permit Recipient

Tag

A white tag applied by a Permit Recipient (with their Personal Danger

Tag) to their Personal Danger Lock identifying them as the recipient of

the corresponding PTW.

PTW Permit to Work A formal document used to identify the controls to be

implemented to provide a safe workplace and safe systems of work.

Permit User

Any worker who has been trained and assessed competent to complete

the work tasks and works under the direct supervision of the Permit

Recipient.

Positively Isolated

A complete physical separation of energy sources preventing energy

transmission using a current isolation switch, isolating valve or device.

Equipment is not positively isolated if the energy can be activated by

another means while isolated.

Positive Isolation

Hardware

The shrouds (hardware) used in the positive isolation of valves, fuses,

circuit breakers, electric leads and plugs.

RTHA

Real Time Hazard Assessment. A documented hazard assessment, or

infield review, performed at the intended place of work prior to a PTW

being issued, or during tasks where there is a change in conditions.

Second Person

A person trained in and assessed as competent in the Energy Tag and

Lockout Procedure and the SAWCS process.

Isolations are always confirmed by a Second Person cross checking

each isolation point including de-isolations and re-isolations as required

for testing/inching and PTW cancellation.

Shall To be interpreted as mandatory.

Should Used in an advisory or discretionary sense.

Test for Dead,

Prove for Dead

The test conducted by a Permit Recipient/ Pre-Approved Worker to ‘test

for dead, Prove for Dead’ after attaching Isolation Locks and Tags to an

isolation point. This process ensures that the plant and equipment

cannot be started and is documented in the Isolation Instruction

Work

Any task that is conducted on an operational site outside of an

administration, meeting or office environment. The term Work excludes

courier drivers, mail delivery, waste collection, security personnel.

Worker

A Seqwater employee or business partner authorised and inducted to

carry out work at an operational site. The term Worker may encompass

Permit Recipients, Permit Users and Pre-Approved Workers



1. Ensuring that a PTW program is established and maintained for the protection of

all personnel and assets within their jurisdiction, at Seqwater owned and operated

sites.

2. Ensuring personnel are trained and assessed in the SAWCS process (SPE-

00215) and competent to perform the PTW roles and processes.

3. Authorising the forced removal of any padlock used under the PTW system as

outlined in the Energy Tag and Lockout procedure (PRO-00014), where required.

4. Ensuring PTW system hardware needs are readily available for field application.

4.2 Manager, Workplace Health and Safety

The Manager, Workplace Health and Safety is responsible for:

1. Developing processes and systems for auditing and providing a training program

that enables effective field application of this procedure.

2. Reviewing safety management plans submitted by principal contractors for

approval.

3. Ensuring audits are conducted at regular intervals to monitor the PTW process

and ensure continuous improvement.

4.3 Supervisor

Supervisors are responsible for:

1. Assigning work to Workers via the CIS Work Order System

2. Ensuring Workers have the relevant competencies to carry out the assigned work

3. Controlling the keys to Out of Service Locks that are in use

4. Assembling lists of Pre-Approved Work

4.4 Permit Recipient

Permit Recipients are responsible for:

1. Abiding by the requirements of this procedure at all times when Working at

Seqwater operational sites.

2. Ensuring that they and their Permit Users have the relevant competencies to carry

out the assigned work.

3. Ensuring a JSEA is developed (Refer to TEM-00013) for the proposed works in

conjunction with the work party. Is reviewed, understood and accepted by the

work party and is reviewed by the Access Officer and additional controls added

where appropriate.

4. Obtaining a full understanding and ensuring that all Permit Users have a full

understanding of the requirements and restrictions imposed by the PTW and any

required 2nd Tier Permits, including the boundary of the work area.

5. Ensuring Isolation Instructions are available for the required isolations, and where

not available, to develop the Isolation Instruction.

6. Performing isolations by securing each point with an Isolation Lock and Tag and or

coordinating multi disciplined isolations as per the Isolation Instruction.

7. Ensuring a Second Person cross checks each isolation, de-isolation and re-

isolation as required for testing/inching and PTW cancellation.

8. Administering the PTW process, ensuring all sections of the PTW are completed in

accordance with this procedure.

SPE-00215%20Corporate%20Safety%20-%20Site%20Access%20and%20Works%20Control%20System%20Overview.doc


PRO-00014%20Corporate%20Safety%20-%20Energy%20Tag%20and%20Lockout%20Procedure.doc

TEM-00013%20Corporate%20Safety%20-%20Job%20Safety%20and%20Environmental%20Analysis%20Template.xlsx



9. Closing the PTW and handing all documentation over to the Supervisor.

4.5 Second Person

The Second Person is responsible for:



2. Ensuring they have competencies in the Energy Tag and Lockout Procedure

(PRO-00014) and the SAWCS process (SPE-00215).

3. Cross checking each isolation point including de-isolations and re-isolations as

required for testing/inching and PTW Closure.

4.6 Access Officer

Access Officers are responsible for:



2. Reviewing the JSEA with the Permit Recipient, to ensure conflicts do not occur in

operational and maintenance requirements for the site and identifying area specific

and process hazards that the Permit Recipient may not be aware of (e.g. other

workgroups in the area, chemical storage facilities, changed conditions, etc).

3. Confirming the competencies of the work party undertaking the PTW.

4. Issuing the Site Access approval and managing the Access Log (FRM-00426) to

the Permit Recipient to allow site access.

5. Signing local PTW Activations or issuing the PTW Activation Number from the

Access Log to the Permit Recipient.

6. Signing local PTW Cancellations or issuing the PTW Cancellation Number from

the Access Log to the Permit Recipient.

4.7 Permit User

Permit Users are responsible for:



2. Holding the appropriate licences, tickets and industry regulated competencies to

perform the task (e.g. rigger, crane operator, etc).

3. Obtaining from the Permit Recipient, a full understanding of the requirements of

and restrictions imposed by the JSEA, PTW and any 2nd Tier Permits.

4. Complying at all times with the requirements of:

the JSEA

the PTW

any 2nd Tier Permits

4.8 2nd Tier Permit Authority

The 2nd Tier Permit Authority is responsible for:



2. Reviewing the requirements of the PTW to ensure the correct 2nd Tier Permits

have been allocated to the task.



FRM-00426%20Corporate%20Safety%20-%20Access%20Log%20Form.pdf



3. Ensuring controls are adequate for the hazard and are implemented prior to the

commencement of work.

4. Holding the appropriate licences, tickets and industry regulated competencies

relevant to the 2nd tier task they are performing.

5. Approving and issuing the relevant 2nd Tier Permit.



5. Permit to Work Process Flow



6. Permit to Work Function

6.1 A PTW is issued to:

Communicate the impacts and implications of the work being undertaken

Ensure all hazards are identified and the associated risks are adequately controlled to

reduce the risk to an acceptable level.

Detail how equipment should be positively isolated and worked on safely.

Identify and record the task being undertaken and the people carrying them out.

Ensure workers are aware of plant or equipment isolation and availability.

6.2 A PTW is required for the following activities:

Work requiring the isolation of hazardous energy or substances (Removing a plug in

device fed from a GPO is not deemed an isolation unless it is part of process control)

Work within an electrical exclusion zone (refer to QLD Electrical Safety Act 2002).

For the following activities that have recorded a high uncontrolled /inherent risk score

using the Seqwater JSEA (Refer to TEM-00013)

o Tasks that have the potential to impact on the water treatment process,

equipment or adjacent work activities.

o Tasks that have the potential to result in a physical change to the work

environment (e.g. scaffolding, excavation).

o Tasks that have the potential to impact the environment (e.g. noise, dust,

vibration, light, soil disturbance (excavation), possible contamination by oil,

paint or other chemical).

o Tasks where there is a risk of exposure to dangerous goods or hazardous

chemicals.

For work that falls into the above categories where personnel are not assessed

competent under the Seqwater Pre-Approved Work process.

Or as directed by an Seqwater representative.

6.3 A PTW is not required for:

Pre-Approved tasks where at least one worker has been assessed as competent.

Tasks that do not impact on others or Seqwater’s ability to supply water to customers.

Tasks that do not impact on others or Seqwater’s ability to release water from

infrastructure during flood events.

Work performed in maintenance workshops, except when a 2nd Tier Permit or

hazardous energy isolations are required.

Emergency situations where the Access Officer has provided verbal clearance to the

worker or other persons (i.e. emergency services, etc) requesting access to the area,

however the Energy Tag and Lockout process shall be observed.

Minor tool changes and adjustments and other minor servicing activities, if they:

o Take place during normal production operations and do not require the

removal or bypass of a guard; or

o Are routine, repetitive and integral to the use of the equipment.

o Office work

o Safety inspections or audits. ( Will require an RTHA and if required a JSEA)




7. Hardware & Software

7.1 The hardware used in the PTW process includes:

HARDWARE DESCRIPTION

Book-fast Permit to Work Written record of work approval

2nd Tier Permits Written record of 2nd Tier activities

Book-fast JSEA Written record of job hazards and their controls

RTHA Cards Real Time Hazard Assessment record

Permit Boards Secure Isolation Lock keys and associated paperwork

Permit Recipient Tag Identifies the Permit Recipient on the Permit Board

Equipment Identification

Tag Identifies the equipment to be worked on

Information Tag Displays information relevant to the equipment

Isolation Lock and Tag Secures isolation points

Personal Danger Lock and

Tag

Secures isolation lock keys in the Permit Board and

identifies Workers working on the PTW

Out of Service Lock and

Tag

Identifies defective equipment and secures isolation keys in

the Permit Board while there is a break in work

In addition, a multitude of positive isolation hardware is available at operational sites.

Further information on the listed hardware is available in the Energy Tag and Lockout

Procedure.

8. Permit to Work Process

8.1 Application for a Permit to Work

Work is generally planned in advance allowing appropriate time for the management of plant

output to minimise disruption to services.

To begin the process the Permit Recipient or Applicant acting on their behalf sends the

request for Site Access and PTW via a MS Outlook Calendar Appointment addressed to the

appropriate Access Officer at least 48 hours in advance of the planned start date, where

possible by:

1. Searching the Access Officer Register (REG-00538) for the appropriate Access

Officer

2. Generating a MS Outlook Calendar Appointment addressed to the appropriate

Access Officer

REG-00538%20Corporate%20-%20Access%20Officer%20Register.xlsx



3. The Appointment should contain the following information:

a. A description of the work (may include Work Order Number)

b. The location

c. The time and duration for access

d. A message containing relevant information for the Access Officer to

approve your application, e.g. PTW.

4. Attach the required supporting documentation if available e.g. JSEA, Isolation

Instruction etc and send the outlook meeting request

If the Applicant/ Permit Recipient is unable to send an outlook meeting request they may use

the Access Officer Group telephone number to contact the relevant Access Officer. The

relevant information above must be provided verbally.

If there is no JSEA and or Isolation Instruction, one must be drafted on arrival to site before a

PTW Activation Number can be issued.

8.2 Call outs/ Breakdowns / Reactive Work

In the case where work is unscheduled (i.e. a breakdown/callout), the PTW process must still

be followed by the submission and review of a JSEA however:

1. The Access Officer may grant approval for access verbally via the call out and

record it in the Access Log at a later date

2. Review of the JSEA may be accepted by the signature of the Access Officer on

the JSEA and recorded in the Site Access Log at a later date

3. Approval and closure of the PTW may be granted by the signature of the Access

Officer on the PTW and recorded in the Access Log at a later date

8.3 Approval for Work

The Access Officer assesses the application by reviewing the JSEA and taking into account:

1. The type, priority and timing of the work.

2. Production and maintenance plans.

3. The items of plant and equipment that would require isolation and the impact this

would have on operations.

4. Confirm with the Supervisor the training and competency of those nominated to

conduct the work.

5. The impact of 2nd Tier Permits on operations.

The Access Officer notifies the applicant of acceptance or rejection of the application

Where a conflict with other works arises and or, there is a lack of information in the

application, the Access Officer may reject the Application.

Where a rejection occurs, the Access Officer identifies the issues with the Applicant and may

suggest an appropriate re-scheduling time.

8.4 Arrival at Site Entrance

Every Seqwater Operational Site will have a sign located at the entrance showing the Access

Officers contact details, see below:



On arrival at the operational site entrance the Permit Recipient shall:

5. Contact the Access Officer to notify them of their arrival. Where there is limited

phone coverage, contact shall be made with the Access Officer prior to arriving on

site.

6. Where the access has not been pre-arranged the Permit Recipient must provide

all the information required from 8.1 above and wait for the Access Officer to

approve access.

The Access Officer shall:

1. Where the Site Access has not been pre-arranged, assess the application for

access following 8.1 above.

2. Confirm access approval for the Permit Recipient in the Access Log and allow

access into the site for sign in (mandatory) and induction (if not previously).

8.5 Arrival on Site

Once inside the Operational Site the Permit Recipient must:

1. Ensure they and the working party sign in; and complete the induction

requirements if not previously inducted.

2. If there are no sign in facilities i.e. remote site, the Permit Recipient must inform

the Access Officer of the date and time of arrival for inclusion in the Access Log.

3. Conduct an RTHA (Refer to GDE-00089)

4. Develop a JSEA (Refer to TEM-00013) for the Work if not already done

5. Develop an Isolation Instruction (Refer to TEM-00077) if not already done

6. Undertake a review of the JSEA with the Access Officer and implement any

additional controls.

GDE-00089%20Corporate%20Safety%20-%20Conduct%20a%20RTHA%20Guidance%20Note.doc


TEM-00077%20Corporate%20Safety%20-%20Isolation%20Instruction%20Template.doc



The Access Officer shall:

1. If there are no sign in facilities i.e. remote site, the Access Officer must enter the

date and time of arrival in the Access Log.

2. Review the JSEA and Isolation Instruction with the Permit Recipient to:

Ensure the proposed Work does not produce conflicts in operational and

maintenance requirements for the site.

Identify area specific and process hazards that the Worker may not be

aware of (e.g. other workgroups in the area, chemical storage facilities,

changed conditions, etc).

Add any necessary controls to the JSEA.

3. Access to Work may be denied based on an inadequate JSEA, conflicting

priorities, and or a lack of information in the application.

4. Where a rejection occurs, identify the issues with the Permit Recipient. This may

include suggesting an appropriate re-scheduling time.

8.6 PTW Activation

When the Permit Recipient is ready to have the PTW activated they carry out the following

tasks:

1. Fill out the PTW

2. Review the JSEA with the work party

3. Fill out any 2nd Tier Permits as required

4. Confirm controls are in place for 2nd Tier permits if required

5. Attach the green Equipment Identification Tag to the equipment work is proposed

for, where appropriate

6. Contact the Access Officer to request a signature or a PTW Activation number.

A PTW can be activated by either the signature of the Access Officer or a PTW Activation

Number. The PTW Activation Number is generated from the Access Log. The Access

Officer must carry out the following tasks before activating the PTW:

1. Review the JSEA and check for work conflicts that impact or may be impacted

upon by the work proposed under the PTW.

2. Confirm controls are in place for 2nd Tier permits if required.

3. Confirm there is an isolation Instruction if required.

The Access Officer then signs the PTW or issues the PTW Activation Number and the Permit

Recipient records the number on the PTW to confirm the permit is activated.

If there are no Isolations required, the Permit Recipient locks their Personal Danger Lock and

Tag and Permit Recipient Tag onto the Permit Board.

8.7 Undertaking Isolations

Isolations are discipline specific. Isolations must only be performed within the Worker’s

discipline specific training, qualifications and competency. As a result, Permit Recipients will

require Additional Isolators when working with energy sources requiring multi discipline

isolations.



Additional Isolators work only under the direction of the Permit Recipient.

If isolations are required, the Permit Recipient must undertake a RTHA for the isolations

before any are performed. Then they must, carry them out personally, and or coordinate the

isolations by following the Isolation Instruction explicitly to:

1. Identify the Isolation Points.

2. Where no effective isolation hardware exists they must submit a work request to

install a suitable device and an alternative means of isolation shall be established

until the issue can be rectified.

3. Isolate the energy source.

4. Discharge or release stored energy.

5. Lock and tag out the Isolation Points.

6. Sign the Isolation Tags and the relevant sections of the Isolation Instruction.

7. Have isolations checked by a Second Person and have that Worker initial the

Isolation Tags and sign the relevant sections of the Isolation Instruction.

8. Test for dead, prove for dead.

9. Secures the Isolation Lock keys in the Permit Board.

10. Locks the Permit Board with their Personal Danger Lock, Tag and Recipient Tag.

Once this is complete the energy sources are deemed Positively Isolated.

The Permit Recipient then secures the PTW on the Permit Board with the JSEA, Isolation

Instruction, 2nd Tier Permits and other relevant documents.

Refer to the Energy Tag & Lockout Procedure (PRO-00014) for further explanation of

positively Isolating energy sources.

8.8 Issuing 2nd Tier Permits

2nd Tier Permits are required for the following high risk work activities:

Confined space work

Hot work

Trenching and excavation

High voltage

Fault finding

Work at height

Grid Mesh, Hand Rail and Flooring Removal

If a 2nd Tier Permit is required the 2nd Tier Permit Authority must fill out the required permits

and implement the appropriate controls as described in the JSEA for the work.

8.9 Carrying out Work Under an Activated Permit to Work

Once all the controls are in place for the work as described in the JSEA the Permit Recipient

ensures;

1. The Permit Users sign on to the PTW.

2. The Permit Users lock their personal danger tags and locks onto the Permit Board.

3. The work party carry out a RTHA for the work.




4. The Permit Recipient signs the PTW Acceptance section of the PTW form

5. The Permit Recipient signs the Permit User section of the PTW

6. The work party then proceed with the work.

7. If an emergency occurs during the course of the work, follow the steps outlined in

the Appendix below.

8.10 Changes to the Work Under the Permit to Work

If there is a change to the task and or work conditions after the PTW has commenced (e.g.

an emergency, 2nd Tier Permit is required):

1. Work shall immediately cease.

2. The Permit Recipient will immediately contact the Access Officer and in

consultation they will determine if the change alters the Scope of Work that the

original PTW was issued under.

Where the Scope of Work has changed a new PTW shall be obtained.

Where there is no change in the Scope of Work but new hazards have been introduced to

the job (i.e. 2nd Tier Permit), the JSEA must be reviewed and updated and additional

controls implemented prior to the re-commencement of work.

8.11 Break in Work

A break in work is any prolonged break in the work other than meal and ablution breaks. The

most common example of a break in work is the end of a shift. When a break in work occurs

the following takes place:

1. Permit Recipient leaves all isolations in place.

2. Permit Users remove their Personal Danger Locks and Tags from the Permit

Board.

3. Permit Users sign off the PTW.

4. Permit Recipient places an Out of Service Lock and Tag onto the Permit Board,

explaining the reason for the delay or break in work.

5. Permit Recipient removes his Personal Danger Lock, Tag and Recipient Tag from

the Permit Board.

6. The Permit Board remains on site if break is less than one day if the break is

longer than 24hrs the PTW board remains at the operational control room.

7. The key to the Out of Service Lock stays with the Permit Recipient if the break is

not longer than 24hrs.

8. The key to the Out of Service Lock stays with the Supervisor if the break is longer

than a day.

For a break in work and a change of Permit Recipient refer to 8.12.2 below.

8.12 Change of Permit Recipient

From time to time a change in Permit Recipient may be required to complete work under a

PTW. Changes to Permit Recipients may occur under the following conditions:



8.12.1 Change in Permit Recipient, no Break in Work:

1. Permit Recipient informs Access Officer of change.

2. New Permit Recipient signs onto PTW.

3. New Permit Recipient attaches their Personal Danger Lock and Tag and Permit

Recipient Tag to the Permit Board.

4. Old Permit Recipient signs off PTW.

5. Old Permit Recipient removes their Personal Danger Lock and Tag and Permit

Recipient Tag from the Permit Board.

New Permit Recipient informs all Permit Users of change.

8.12.2 Change in Permit Recipient, Break in Work:

1. Permit Recipient leaves all isolations in place.

2. Permit Users sign off PTW.


Board.

4. Permit Recipient places an Out of Service Lock and Tag onto the Permit Board,

explaining the reason for the delay or break in work.

5. Permit Recipient signs off the PTW and notifies the Access Officer.

6. Permit Recipient removes their Personal Danger Lock, Tag and Recipient Tag.

7. The Permit Board remains on site if break is less than 24hrs. If the break is longer

than 24hrs the PTW board remains at the operational control room.

8. The key to the Out of Service Lock stays with the Supervisor.

8.12.3 Change in Permit Recipient, Recommencing Work:

When the new Permit Recipient is ready to recommence work under the PTW he must:

1. Reapply for site access using the steps outlined above.

2. Review the JSEA for the PTW and implement any controls.

3. Lock his Personal Danger Lock, Tag and Recipient Tag on the Permit Board.

4. Sign onto the PTW.

5. Remove the Out of Service Lock and Tag.

Once all the controls are in place for the work as described in the JSEA;

1. The Permit Users lock their Personal Danger Locks and Tags onto the Permit

Board.

2. The work party carry out a RTHA and then proceed with the work.

8.13 De-Isolating

De-Isolating is the process of removing Isolation Locks and Tags from Isolation Points and

re-energising equipment. De-isolating is done at the end of Work and or for Inching and

Testing. The following process is followed:

1. Permit Recipient contacts the Access Officer to discuss the implications of De-

isolating

2. Access Officer ensures the proposed De-isolation does not produce conflicts in

operational and maintenance requirements for the site.



3. Access Officer Identifies area specific and process hazards that the Permit

Recipient may not be aware of (e.g. other workgroups in the area, chemical

storage facilities, changed conditions, etc).

4. Permit Recipient confirms all work has ceased on the equipment and the

equipment is ready to be De-isolated.

5. Permit Recipient assembles Additional Isolators as required.

6. Where the Workers who placed the Isolation Locks and Tags cannot be located,

the Permit Recipient must assemble Additional Isolators with discipline specific

training, qualifications and competency for the De-isolations.

7. Permit Recipient considers all 2nd Tier Permit controls before any attempt to re-

energise equipment is made.

8. Permit Recipient undertakes a RTHA (Refer to GDE-00089) for the de-isolation

with the Working Party

9. Permit Users then remove their Personal Danger Locks and Tags, sign off the

PTW form and remain clear of the area throughout the De-isolation.

10. Permit Recipient removes their Personal Danger Lock, Tag and Recipient Tag

11. Permit Recipient confirms all Persons are in a position of safety before any

attempt to re-energise equipment is made.

12. Permit Recipient is in control of the Isolation Lock keys and must carry out the De-

isolations personally, and or coordinate the De-isolations by following the Isolation

Instruction explicitly to:

a. Identify the Isolation Points.

b. Remove the Isolation Locks and Tags and sign the relevant sections of

the Isolation Instruction.

c. Have De-isolations checked by a Second Person and have that Worker

sign the relevant sections of the Isolation Instruction.

d. De-Isolate the energy sources.

e. Recharge the energy sources.

8.14 Inching and Testing

If Inching and Testing is required the process below is followed:

1. Permit Recipient must temporarily suspend the PTW by contacting the Access

Officer and filling out the Inching and Testing section of the PTW.


Board and sign off the PTW

3. Permit Recipient removes their Personal Danger Lock and Tags from the Permit

Board and signs off the PTW (User Section)

4. Permit Recipient de-isolates the required isolation following 8.13 above

5. Permit Recipient performs a RTHA (Refer to GDE-00089) prior to commencing the

testing/inching

6. Permit Recipient follows the Inching and Testing Program on the Isolation

Instruction.

Once the testing/inching is completed:

1. Permit Recipient either completes work under the PTW following 8.15 below or;





2. Permit Recipient contacts the Access Officer to discuss the implications of re-

isolating the equipment

3. Work party review the JSEA for the PTW and implement any controls.

4. Permit Recipient re-isolates following 8.7 above.

5. Permit Users lock their Personal Danger Locks and Tags onto the Permit Board

and sign back onto the PTW

6. Permit Recipient locks their Personal Danger Lock and Tags onto the Permit

Board and signs back onto the PTW

7. Work party carry out a RTHA and then recommences the work

8.15 Completion of Work Under the Permit to Work

On completion of work the following steps are taken:

1. Permit Recipient confirms all work has finished and all equipment has been de-

Isolated where required.

2. Permit Recipient ensures the area has been left safe and clear of tools, equipment

and rubbish.

3. Permit Recipient ensures all Permit Users have removed their Personal Danger

Locks and Tags and have signed off the PTW if not already done.

4. Permit Recipient removes their Personal Danger Lock, Tag and Recipient Tag if

not already done.

5. Permit Recipient signs the PTW Closure section of the PTW.

6. Permit Recipient contacts Access Officer and requests the PTW Cancellation

Number.

7. If Access Officer is satisfied that the work area has been left clean and the

equipment has been returned to service satisfactorily they sign the PTW

Cancellation section of the PTW or issue the PTW Cancellation Number from the

Access Log.

8. Permit Recipient records PTW Cancellation Number on PTW if issued.

9. Permit Recipient surrenders all PTW paperwork, including the JSEA, RTHAs, 2nd

Tier Permits and Isolation Instruction to the Supervisor for review.

10. Supervisor files all relevant documentation in CIS.

9. Multiple Permits to Work

From time to time, multiple work parties may need to work under the same master isolations

for their PTWs e.g. plant shutdowns. In this instance multiple Permit Boards may be used

following the process below:

1. The Permit Recipient undertakes the master isolation following 8.7 above and

secures the master Permit Board with their Personal Danger Lock and Tag and

Permit Recipient Tag.

2. The 2nd Permit Recipient locks an Isolation Lock and Tag to the master Permit

Board and secures the Isolation Lock key inside the 2nd Permit Board with their

Personal Danger Lock and Tag and Permit Recipient Tag. An Isolation Instruction

noting the PTW of the Master Board must be attached to this Permit Board

3. The 3rd Permit Recipient locks an Isolation Lock and Tag to the 2nd Permit Board

and secures the Isolation Lock key inside the 3rd Permit Board with their Personal



Danger Lock and Tag and Permit Recipient Tag. An Isolation Instruction noting

the PTW of the Master Board must be attached to this Permit Board

This process can continue on to support as many Permit Boards as required. Refer to the

diagram below for a description of the process.

10. Disciplinary Action

Unauthorised removal of Personal Danger and/or Isolation Locks and Tags and failure to

follow correct Isolation Instructions has the potential to cause serious injury or death and/or

serious equipment damage.

Individuals found to have removed another person’s Personal Danger and/or Isolation Lock

and Tag or failed to follow the correct Isolation Instruction for isolating equipment will be

subject to investigation and potentially the disciplinary action outlined below:

Seqwater internal disciplinary action.

Penalties as outlined in Electrical Safety and Work Health and Safety Legislation.



11. Associated Documents

SPE-00215 Site Access and Works Control System Overview

PRO-01487 Operational Site Access Authority Procedure

PRO-01488 Pre-Approved Work Procedure

PRO-00014 Energy Tag and Lockout Procedure

REG-00538 Access Officer Register

FRM-00426 Access Log Form

GDE-00089 Conduct a RTHA Guidance Note

TEM-00013 Job Safety and Environmental Analysis Template

TEM-00077 Isolation Instruction Template

ERP-00022 Incident Emergency Response Plan - Responsibilities

12. Appendix

12.1 Emergency Management

An emergency is the sudden, unexpected, or impending situation that may cause injury, loss

of life, damage to property, and/or interference with the normal activities of a worker or

operations and which, therefore, requires immediate attention and remedial action.

No further Work shall be performed on that plant/equipment until cleared to return to

work. All PTWs are deemed suspended immediately

Contact Emergency Services on ‘000’, if required

Make the area safe where possible

Emergency Services do not require an Access approval

Notify the Access Officer for assistance

Administer first aid where required until relieved by trained medical relief and supply

any relevant details

NOTE: Emergency Services have control of the site on arrival.

Post emergency:

Verbal approval shall be gained from Emergency Services/Seqwater Person-in-

Control when it is safe to re-enter the site.

Where necessary maintain the state of the site to conduct internal/external

investigations.

PTW shall be re-assessed and re-issued prior to re-commencement of work.

Where a Worker becomes overdue in their communication with the Access Officer refer to

Corporate - Incident Emergency Response Plan – Responsibilities (ERP-00022).


PRO-01487%20Corporate%20Safety%20-%20Operational%20Site%20Access%20Authority%20Procedure.doc

PRO-01488%20Corporate%20Safety%20-%20Pre-approved%20Work%20Procedure.doc


ERP-00022%20Corporate%20IERP%20-%20Responsibilities.pdf