A work permit system is a safety management tool that is used to ensure that hazardous activities are carried out in a controlled and safe manner. It involves identifying the hazards associated with a particular activity and implementing necessary precautions to control those hazards. The work permit serves as an official record of the conditions and minimum safety precautions that have been agreed upon by the issuer and receiver of the permit. The purpose of the work permit system is to protect personnel, equipment, facilities, operations, and the environment from potential hazards.
SCOPE
This instruction applies to all departments and covers work activities performed in restricted areas and designated restricted activities at all Saudi Aramco facilities, project sites, and project support facilities covered under Land Use Permits, including laydown yards. It is intended to ensure the safe execution of work activities that present a potential hazard to company operations, facilities, personnel, or equipment. Proponent organization managers are responsible for identifying and designating activities that require the use of the work permit system. All departments are required to follow this instruction when conducting these activities to ensure the safety of personnel, equipment, facilities, and the environment.
Proponent organization managers may determine that certain low-risk activities are exempt from the work permit system. This means that these activities do not pose a significant hazard to personnel, equipment, facilities, or the environment, and therefore do not require the use of a work permit. It is important to note that the decision to exempt an activity from the work permit system should be based on a thorough assessment of the risks involved and the controls in place to manage those risks. It is the responsibility of the proponent organization manager to ensure that the decision to exempt an activity from the work permit system is justified and that all necessary safety measures are in place to protect personnel, equipment, facilities, and the environment.
During the construction phase of grassroots projects, the contractor is required to implement an approved work permit system in accordance with this instruction for all hazardous work that requires appropriate planning, control, and authority. This applies to work that does not meet the criteria defined in Section 2.1 and requires the use of the work permit system. The work permit system should be implemented before a facility, or portion thereof, is certified as mechanically complete.
After mechanical completion or during electrical work on systems that are attached to the Saudi Aramco electrical distribution system (e.g., pre-commissioning of substations), the Saudi Aramco work permit system must be implemented in accordance with this instruction. This ensures that all hazardous work is properly planned, controlled, and authorized, and that necessary safety measures are in place to protect personnel, equipment, facilities, and the environment.
A work permit system is a formal process that is put in place to ensure that all necessary precautions are taken to protect the health and safety of workers and others who may be affected by work activities. In the context of drilling and workover (D&WO) activities, a work permit system may involve the issuance of a written permit that outlines the specific work to be performed, any hazards associated with the work, and the precautions that must be taken to ensure the safety of those involved. The work permit system may also include procedures for obtaining approval for the work, training and qualification requirements for workers, and procedures for monitoring and inspecting the work to ensure that it is being carried out safely.
DEFINITIONS
Cold work refers to activities that do not produce enough heat or energy to ignite flammable atmospheres or combustible materials. These types of activities are generally considered to be less hazardous than hot work, which involves activities that produce sparks, flames, or heat that could ignite flammable materials. Cold work activities may include the use of hand tools, scaffold erection, asbestos removal, sand removal, and other tasks that do not produce heat or sparks. It is important to follow safe work practices when performing cold work activities, as they can still present hazards, such as the risk of falling, being struck by an object, or exposure to hazardous substances.
A confined space is a space that meets the following criteria:
a) It has limited or restricted means of entry or exit. This means that it is not designed for continuous human occupancy and may have small openings or other barriers that make it difficult for people to enter or exit.
b) It is not designed for human occupancy. This means that it is not intended for people to work or live in for extended periods of time.
c) It contains or has the potential to contain a hazardous atmosphere. This means that it may have air that is contaminated with toxic gases, vapors, or dusts that could be harmful if inhaled.
d) It contains any other recognized serious safety or health hazard(s). This could include electrical hazards, moving machinery, or other hazards that could cause injury or illness.
Confined spaces can present significant hazards to workers, as they often have limited ventilation, which can lead to a build-up of hazardous substances, and they may also have limited space, which can make it difficult to escape in the event of an emergency. It is important to follow proper safety procedures when working in confined spaces, including the use of personal protective equipment and the implementation of a permit system to ensure that the space is properly prepared and monitored for safety.
Confined spaces are areas that are not designed for continuous human occupancy and may have limited means of entry or exit. Examples of confined spaces include tanks, vessels, vaults, manholes, sewers, valve boxes, lift stations, and structures or excavations that are 1.2 meters (4 feet) deep or deeper. In addition, areas above floating roof tanks where the top of the roof is more than 1.2 meters (4 feet) below the rim of the tank are also considered confined spaces. These spaces may present significant hazards to workers due to the presence of hazardous atmospheres or other serious safety or health hazards. It is important to follow proper safety procedures when working in confined spaces, including the use of personal protective equipment and the implementation of a permit system to ensure that the space is properly prepared and monitored for safety.
A confined space entry refers to the act of entering or occupying a space that meets the criteria for being a confined space. This includes any part of the body entering the space and any period of time spent inside the space.
The Confined Space Entry Standby Man is a designated individual who is assigned by the Confined Space Entry Supervisor to continuously monitor the confined space entry while personnel are inside. The Standby Man is responsible for ensuring the safety of the entrants and must be trained and qualified in accordance with the Saudi Aramco Construction Safety Manual (CSM) and relevant instructions. The Standby Man is typically stationed at each designated entry point to the confined space and must be alert and prepared to take any necessary actions in the event of an emergency.
The Confined Space Entry Supervisor is an individual who is responsible for directing all aspects of the confined space entry. This includes issuing work permits and overseeing the safety of the confined space entry. The Confined Space Entry Supervisor must be trained and qualified in accordance with the Saudi Aramco Construction Safety Manual (CSM) and relevant instructions. The supervisor is responsible for ensuring that all necessary precautions are taken and that all personnel involved in the confined space entry are properly trained and equipped. The Confined Space Entry Supervisor must also be able to respond to emergencies and take necessary action to ensure the safety of the personnel inside the confined space.
A countersignature is the signature of an employee who is designated by their division or department head to review and approve work permits. These individuals are typically supervisors who have authority over the work areas and personnel involved in the work, and are responsible for ensuring safe working conditions. The purpose of requiring a countersignature is to provide an additional level of oversight and ensure that all necessary safety measures are in place before work is performed. The employee who countersigns the work permit is essentially affirming that they have reviewed the permit and are satisfied that all necessary precautions have been taken to ensure the safety of the personnel involved in the work.
A Designated Representative is an employee who is designated by their division or department head to perform the duties associated with issuing work permits. These individuals are typically experienced and competent, and are familiar with the requirements and procedures for issuing work permits. However, Designated Representatives do not have the authority to actually issue work permits. Instead, their role is to assist in the process of issuing work permits, by gathering information and ensuring that all necessary documentation is complete and accurate. The Designated Representative may also be responsible for communicating with the work permit issuer and other relevant parties to ensure that all necessary safety measures are in place before work is performed.
Emergency work refers to activities that are undertaken during a declared emergency at a Saudi Aramco (SA) facility or project site. These activities are typically directed by the Incident Commander and are focused on responding to the emergency and mitigating any potential hazards. Emergency work may involve a range of activities, such as evacuating personnel, shutting down equipment, and providing medical treatment. The primary goal of emergency work is to protect the safety of personnel and minimize damage to the facility or project site.
Equipment opening or line break refers to the initial opening of equipment, vessels, or piping that is part of a closed system that contains or has the potential to contain flammable, combustible, toxic, or injurious materials. These activities may be required for a variety of reasons, such as performing maintenance, conducting inspections, or making repairs. Because the equipment, vessels, or piping being opened may contain hazardous materials, it is important to follow proper safety procedures to ensure the safety of personnel involved in the work. This may include completing a risk assessment, implementing safety measures, and following established procedures for handling hazardous materials.
An extended work permit is a type of work permit that is issued for a period of time greater than two consecutive operating shifts, but not in excess of 30 days. This type of work permit is typically used when the work being performed is expected to take longer than two shifts to complete, but is not expected to last more than 30 days. An extended work permit may be issued for a range of activities, such as maintenance, repairs, construction, or other types of work that require a longer period of time to complete. The purpose of an extended work permit is to ensure that appropriate safety measures are in place and that the work is being performed in a safe and controlled manner.
A fire watch is an individual who is designated by the issuer of a work permit to monitor activities related to hot work and to prevent fires from occurring. The fire watch is responsible for being aware of the inherent hazards of hot work and the types of fires that may result, and must be knowledgeable in the controls required to prevent fires. The fire watch must also have fire protection equipment readily available and be trained in its use, and must be familiar with the procedures for notifying appropriate personnel in the event of a fire. The purpose of a fire watch is to ensure the safety of personnel and to prevent fires from occurring during hot work activities.
A grassroots project is a construction project for a new plant, unit, or facility that is under the control of a Saudi Aramco (SA) construction agency and the construction contractor until start-up or occupancy. These projects may be located at a previously undisturbed site or within an existing SA plant or facility. However, a project located within an existing SA plant or facility is considered to be a grassroots project if the SA proponent organization has turned over control of the project site to the construction agency and contractor until start-up or occupancy. Grassroots projects typically involve the construction of new facilities or the expansion of existing ones, and may include a range of activities such as site preparation, foundation work, construction of buildings and other structures, and installation of equipment.
A hazard analysis is an assessment of a work activity that is conducted before the work is started. It involves reviewing the individual steps of the work, the equipment to be used, and the working environment to identify potential hazards and determine the necessary protective measures. The hazard analysis is typically performed by the work permit issuer (or their designated representative) and the receiver, and is typically done on-site at the job location. The purpose of the hazard analysis is to ensure that appropriate safety measures are in place and that the work can be performed safely. This may involve verifying that the protective measures specified in the applicable work permit(s) are in place and addressing any identified hazards.
Hot work refers to any activity that may generate sparks, flames, or heat sufficient to cause ignition. Examples of hot work include welding, torch use, grinding, abrasive blasting, and work on or in close proximity to live electrical apparatus. Hot work can also include the use of internal combustion engines in restricted areas, or the use of devices that are not rated for the electrical classification of the area. Hot work presents a potential fire hazard, and it is important to follow proper safety procedures to ensure the safety of personnel and prevent fires from occurring. This may involve obtaining a work permit, completing a hazard analysis, implementing safety measures, and following established procedures for handling hazardous materials.
A joint site inspection is an inspection that is conducted by the work permit issuer (or their designated representative) and the receiver to assess the hazards of a work activity and ensure that all necessary precautions are in place. The joint site inspection typically includes a hazard analysis, gas testing, and a review of the work permit conditions. The purpose of the joint site inspection is to ensure the safety of personnel and to prevent accidents or incidents from occurring during the work. Supplement 2.100-3 outlines the minimum criteria for conducting joint site inspections, including the steps that should be taken to identify and address hazards and ensure the safety of personnel.
The lower explosive limit (LEL) is the lower concentration boundary for a specific compound or material of interest at which the vapor-air mixture will ignite and propagate a flame if ignited. In other words, it is the lowest concentration of a vapor that will explode if a source of ignition is present. When testing for combustible gas using gas monitoring instruments, the amount of combustible gas present is expressed in terms of % LEL. 0% LEL indicates a combustible gas-free atmosphere, while 100% LEL indicates an atmosphere in which the gas is at its LEL. It is important to ensure that the concentration of combustible gases in the atmosphere is kept below the LEL to prevent explosions or fires from occurring.
Low risk activities are jobs that have been determined by proponent organization managers to be able to be conducted safely in restricted areas without the need for a work permit. These activities are typically considered to be of lower risk due to the nature of the work being performed and the controls that are in place. While work permits are not required for low risk activities, it is still important to follow all applicable Saudi Aramco (SA) safety rules and standards, and the proponent organization must maintain adequate control and account for personnel in all areas. The purpose of requiring low risk activities to follow SA safety rules and standards is to ensure the safety of personnel and to prevent accidents or incidents from occurring.
Mechanical completion is achieved when a facility or portion thereof, as defined in the approved scope, construction documentation, drawings, specifications, and material requisitions, has been installed and tested (precommissioned) and is ready for commissioning and start-up. This typically includes the installation and testing of all equipment and systems, as well as the completion of any necessary repairs or modifications. Once a facility is mechanically complete, it is ready to be commissioned and prepared for start-up in accordance with Saudi Aramco’s General Instruction 2.710. The purpose of achieving mechanical completion is to ensure that the facility is ready for operation and that all necessary systems and equipment are in place and functioning properly.
A renewed work permit is a type of work permit that authorizes work to continue for one consecutive operating shift, regardless of shift duration, under the conditions of the original work permit. The purpose of a renewed work permit is to allow work to continue beyond the original period specified on the work permit, without the need to complete a new hazard analysis or obtain a new permit. However, the total duration of the work, including the renewal period, cannot exceed 24 hours. Renewed work permits are typically used when the work being performed is expected to take longer than the original period specified on the work permit, but is not expected to last more than 24 hours in total.
A restricted activity is an activity or task that has been designated by proponent organization managers as requiring the work permit system, regardless of the location within Saudi Aramco (SA) facilities or project sites. Restricted activities are those that present a potential hazard to personnel, facilities, equipment, or operations, and are subject to the work permit system to ensure the safety of personnel and prevent accidents or incidents from occurring. Supplement 2.100-1 outlines the minimum criteria for restricted activities, including the types of activities that are considered to be restricted and the requirements for obtaining a work permit.
A restricted area is an area that has been designated by proponent organization managers as requiring the work permit system. These areas typically include any areas where hydrocarbons, flammable liquids or gases, or toxic agents are handled, stored, piped, or processed in bulk quantities. The purpose of designating an area as a restricted area is to ensure the safety of personnel and prevent accidents or incidents from occurring. Supplement 2.100-1 outlines the minimum criteria for restricted areas, including the types of areas that are considered to be restricted and the requirements for obtaining a work permit to enter or work in a restricted area.
A standby man is an individual who is designated by the issuer of a work permit to monitor and be familiar with the work activities being performed. The standby man may be an operations representative, an instrument technician, or another individual who is trained and qualified to perform the duties of a standby man. The standby man is responsible for monitoring the work activities and ensuring that they are being performed safely and in accordance with the work permit. Examples of activities that may require a standby man include instrument loop checks, partial stroking of an emergency shutdown (ESD) valve, and preventive maintenance activities. The purpose of a standby man is to provide an additional level of oversight and ensure the safety of personnel during the work.
A work crew is a group of workers who report to a common supervisor, such as a foreman, supervisor, or lead. The members of a work crew may have different craft skills and may be responsible for performing a variety of tasks, but they are all working under the direction of a single supervisor. The purpose of a work crew is to organize and coordinate the work being performed, and to ensure that it is completed efficiently and safely. The work crew may be responsible for various aspects of the work, including planning and scheduling, coordinating with other teams or departments, and implementing safety measures.
A work permit issuer is an employee of Saudi Aramco (SA) who is responsible for issuing work permits for activities being performed within their area of supervision. The work permit issuer must be an employee who supervises work areas and has authority over work activities and personnel in those areas. They must also be certified by their division or department heads to issue work permits, and must have the experience and knowledge to adequately assess job-related hazards and prescribe appropriate precautionary measures. The work permit issuer is responsible for ensuring that all work being performed in their area of supervision is conducted in a safe and controlled manner, and that appropriate safety measures are in place to protect personnel and prevent accidents or incidents from occurring.
A work permit receiver is an employee of Saudi Aramco (SA) or a contractor employee sponsored by SA who has been certified by their division or department head to sign and receive work permits. The work permit receiver is responsible for receiving the work permit and ensuring that all necessary precautions are in place before work begins. This may involve conducting a joint site inspection with the work permit issuer, verifying that all necessary safety measures are in place, and reviewing the work permit conditions to ensure that they are being followed. The work permit receiver is an important part of the work permit system, as they are responsible for ensuring that work is performed safely and in accordance with the established procedures.
RESPONSIBILITIES
Proponent management, which includes managers, division heads, and supervisors, has a number of responsibilities related to the work permit process. These responsibilities include:
- Developing a department work permit process that satisfies the requirements of the relevant instruction.
- Specifying the restricted areas and restricted activities that require the implementation of the work permit process, as well as the low-risk activities that are exempt from the department’s work permit process.
- Establishing criteria for issuing and receiving particular types of work permits associated with higher risk activities, such as confined space entry, equipment opening/line break, and open flame hot work.
- Establishing criteria for the selection of work permit issuers and receivers, as well as designated representatives.
- Ensuring that issuer/receiver candidates meet all required qualifications and have completed all prerequisite training before being enrolled in the applicable work permit certification training.
- Authorizing and certifying work permit candidates to issue and receive permits.
- Maintaining records of the organization’s certified work permit issuers and receivers, as well as designated representatives.
- Ensuring that employees involved in the process for issuing and receiving work permits are in compliance with the relevant instruction.
- Verifying that the department’s work permit process is implemented in accordance with the instruction by conducting work permit reviews and job site inspections.
- Establishing criteria for correcting significant or repeat non-compliance with the instruction or the department’s work permit process, which may include withdrawal of a work permit certificate, retraining, or an extended period of mentoring.
Work permit issuers are responsible for the following:
- Maintaining a valid SA work permit issuer certificate and completing the required training and prerequisite courses.
- Authorizing and issuing work permits according to the relevant instruction.
- Ensuring that a joint site inspection, including completion of the Hazard Analysis Checklist, has been conducted with the receiver.
- Monitoring the job site frequently to ensure that all work permit conditions and applicable SA safety and health requirements are being met.
- Canceling active permits and immediately stopping work if there is a change in the work activities or site conditions.
- Closing work permits after the job is completed or when the permit duration has expired.
Work Permit Receivers
– Possess a valid SA work permit receiver certification. – Pass the work permit certification course and all required pre-requisite courses. – Obtain the required work permit(s) from a SA-certified issuer. – Participate in the joint site inspection and hazard analysis. – Conduct the work according to conditions & requirements on the work permit. – Monitor the work to ensure adherence to safety & health regulations. – Stop work if changes occur in work activities or site conditions. – Close work permit after job completion or expiry of permit duration.
Training & Development (T&D)
– Conduct work permit issuer/receiver classes & administer certification/recertification tests. – Administer certificates for successful candidates. – Conduct prerequisite classes & administer tests for issuers, designated representatives & employee receivers. – Reissue certificates for employees transferring to another organization upon request from division head.
QUALIFICATIONS AND CERTIFICATION OF WORK PERMIT ISSUERS/RECEIVERS AND DESIGNATED REPRESENTATIVES
Work permit issuers/receivers and designated representatives must have the necessary knowledge and experience, be able to identify hazards, and be proficient in the requirements of this instruction in order to maintain their certification, which requires them to attend and pass a classroom work permit certification course every two years and complete all required prerequisite training and certifications (as outlined in Sections 6.6 and 6.7). They must also keep a valid SA work permit certificate in their possession.
Designated representatives must complete and pass the prerequisite training courses outlined in Section 6.8 before they can be designated by their organization to carry out the duties associated with issuing work permits.
Proponent organizations must establish additional criteria for the selection of work permit issuers/receivers and designated representatives based on their demonstrated safety leadership and behaviors which discourage bypassing established procedures and company requirements. This criteria may include the level of experience, additional training, period of mentoring, and verification of competency in safety rules and standards.
The SA Work Permit System certification course must be administered by T&D in order to train potential issuers/receivers on the work permit system and administer written tests.
Work permit issuer candidates must successfully complete the following classroom courses as prerequisites before they can take the issuer’s certification course:
- Hazard Recognition and Control.
- Lock Out/Tag Out.
- Confined Space Entry.
- Gas Testing Program.
Work permit receiver candidates must successfully complete the following classroom courses as prerequisites before they can take the receiver’s certification course:
- Hazard Recognition and Control.
- Lock Out/Tag Out.
- Confined Space Entry.
Designated representatives must successfully complete the following classroom courses in order to be certified:
- Hazard Recognition and Control.
- Lock Out/Tag Out.
- Confined Space Entry.
- Gas Testing Program.
- Work Permit 2016 (e-Learning).
Proponent organizations must maintain records of their certified work permit issuers/receivers and approved designated representatives.
Work permit issuer and receiver certificates expire two years after the date of issue. Candidates must complete the corresponding e-Learning prerequisite courses listed in Sections 6.6 and 6.7, respectively, as well as the classroom work permit certification course prior to taking the recertification exam.
Designated representatives must complete the corresponding e-Learning courses listed in Section 6.8 every two years in order to maintain their approval, which expires two years after completing the Work Permit 2016 eLearning course.
Upon successful completion of the certification exam for issuers/receivers, T&D will issue a work permit certificate to the employee’s management.
Once their certificate has been signed by the employee’s division head, or in the case of a contractor, by the SA organization division head that has contractual authority over the contractor, work permit issuer/receiver candidates become certified.
Work permit certificates will not be reissued when an issuer/receiver transfers to another organization if they have less than six months validity; the issuer or receiver must be recertified instead. Certificates with more than six months validity must be reissued with the same expiration as the original. Valid certificates may be reissued upon written request to T&D from the proponent organization’s division head, along with the original certificate attached.
Work permit issuer or receiver certificates may be revoked by the proponent organization manager with proper justification. The reason(s) for revoking the certificate shall be documented and communicated to T&D, and the individual shall surrender the certificate to be destroyed by the proponent organization.
ISSUING WORK PERMITS
Work permits must be issued to personnel (operations, maintenance or contractors) for all work activities not classified as low risk in restricted areas, and for all restricted activities per the proponent organization’s local work permit process and this instruction (see Section 5.1.2 and Supplement 2.100-1). All necessary actions to authorize the proposed work and/or possible configuration changes must be completed before a work permit is issued.
Work permits are not required for routine activities conducted during normal operations when proponent organization procedures exist and they define all the necessary precautions, with the exception of confined space entry activities.
When work permits are required, SA-certified receivers must request the permit(s) from a SA-certified issuer of the facility/project site prior to executing any job. Work permits must identify the specific work to be performed by the work crew at a specific location.
The issuer must determine the correct permit(s) for the job (e.g. cold work, hot work, equipment opening/line break and/or confined space entry); some jobs may require more than one permit.
The issuer must verify that the receiver’s certificate is valid and approved by the proponent organization for the type of work to be performed (e.g. cold work, hot work, equipment opening/line break, confined space entry, or a combination of these).
The issuer or receiver must complete “Section 1 – Work Description” of the work permit form. The issuer will issue the work permit(s) after he (or his designated representative) has performed the following:
- Verified that “Section 1 – Work Description” of the work permit form has been completed. Work permits must include the date and duration of the work, the work location, the work to be performed, and the equipment to be used at the job site.
- Work permits must include a clear identification of the types of energy, isolation methods, potential exposures, required protective equipment, fire protection methods, additional safety precautions, and emergency actions to be taken. “Section 2 – Hazard Identification and Control” of the work permit form must be completed.
- The receiver must be informed of the precautions and restrictions necessary to control the hazards associated with the job site and/or work activity (as outlined in the applicable work permit sections of this instruction), which must be listed on the work permit.
- The work permit must be accompanied by applicable checklists/forms that provide supplemental information and/or approvals for the particular work activity (e.g. excavation checklist, confined space entry log and gas test form, blind list/isolation plan, critical lift plan or hydrotest form). All checklists/forms must be completed.
- The Hazard Analysis Checklist on the back of the work permit form must be completed with the receiver through a joint site inspection. The individuals who participate in the joint site inspection must sign the Hazard Analysis Checklist to verify that it has been completed (see Supplement 2.100-3 for more information).
The issuer (or their designated representative) must ensure that atmospheric gas tests have been performed by a certified gas tester (as per GI 2.709) and that “Section 3 – Gas Testing/Monitoring” of the work permit form has been completed. The frequency of continual or periodic gas monitoring, if required, must be specified on the permit. The proponent organization’s division head signature is required in the event of certain atmospheric conditions per Section 10.6.6.
Before issuing a work permit, the issuer must obtain the approval and countersignature of any other organizations whose operations or facilities will be affected. These countersigning organizations may opt to conduct a joint site inspection with the issuer and receiver. The issuer (or his designated representative) shall ensure that all applicable checklists/forms attached to the permit have been completed and signed off by the appropriate personnel and filed in the work permit package. The issuer (or their designated representative) must ensure that all applicable checklists/forms attached to the permit have been completed and signed off by the appropriate personnel, and filed in the work permit package.
“Section 4 – Permit Authorization & Closure” of the work permit form must be signed off by the issuer and receiver, as well as any other required approvals and signatures, such as for extended permits (as per Section 7.12), certain atmospheric conditions (see Section 10.6) or for higher risk activities as specified by the organization’s criteria for issuing/receiving particular types of work permits (see Section 5.1.3).
Work permits are normally issued for a single operating shift.
Work permits may be renewed for a single consecutive operating shift, regardless of the shift duration, but the total permit duration must not exceed 24 hours. This renewal requires the signatures of both the issuer and receiver coming on shift, as well as the notification of all countersigning organizations.
By signing the work permit, the issuer/receiver coming on shift agrees to all the conditions stated on the form and is held responsible for them. Any changes to the work scope, equipment used, job site hazards or precautions requires the issuance of new work permit(s).
Work permits (except for equipment opening/line break permits) may be issued for a period of up to 30 days, provided it is for prolonged construction or maintenance work where the job site hazards and precautions remain unchanged. The permit must be approved by the division head or higher of the issuing and receiving organizations, and the following conditions must be met:
- It is highly unlikely that any conditions will arise which could create additional hazards for personnel, damage to equipment or facilities, disruption in operations, or harm to the environment.
- The issuing organization’s division head and the receiver organization’s division head (and countersignature organizations’ division head, if applicable) must agree to the job conditions and control measures to be used and sign the work permit.
- If the issuer is required to leave work, the custody of any open work permits must be transferred to an alternate issuer. This transfer of custody of the work permit must follow the same process as a renewed work permit (as per Section 7.11), but the notification of all countersigning organizations is not required.
- The work permit receiver must keep a copy of the permit in their possession or in view at the job site for the duration of the job so that it is available for inspection and cancellation, if necessary.
- Work permits must be cancelled when the job is complete or when it is no longer necessary. The cancellation process requires the completion of Section 4 on the work permit, which is considered cancelled upon completion.
CANCELING WORK PERMITS
- Work permit(s) must be immediately cancelled, the work stopped, and new permit(s) issued if a change occurs in the work activities or site conditions that could potentially create additional hazards for personnel, damage to equipment or facilities, disruption in operations, or harm to the environment.
- When work is stopped, the issuer must obtain the work permit, write the reason for the work cancellation, the time, and other relevant information on the permit.
- The issuer and receiver must take action to correct any deficiencies in order for the job to resume.
- Once all deficiencies have been corrected, the issuer must issue a new work permit(s).
- The issuer and/or receiver is responsible for stopping work any time the job site does not meet the work permit conditions or any applicable SA safety and health requirements. They must take action to correct any deficiencies before work can resume. When all deficiencies have been corrected, the issuer must issue a new work permit(s).
- In the event of an emergency, all work permits are automatically canceled within the area affected by the emergency condition and as specified by the Incident Commander.
- Emergency work can be authorized without applicable work permits under the direction of the Incident Commander, provided the work activity follows all SA safety rules and standards normally applicable for the specific emergency situation. Once the “All Clear” has been declared, the work permit system must be used for all subsequent work activities.
CLOSING WORK PERMITS
Once the job is complete or the permit’s duration has expired, the issuer (or his designated representative) must ensure a joint site inspection has been conducted with the receiver to verify that the work area has been left in a safe and secure condition before the work permit can be closed.
Both the issuer and receiver of a work permit must sign the permit form in order to close it. If distance and remoteness make signing impractical, an alternate closing method must be determined and stated on the permit when it is issued.
The issuer (proponent organization) must keep the original copy of the work permit(s) for a minimum of three months.
WORK PERMIT GENERAL REQUIREMENTS
- The issuer (proponent organization) must keep the original copy of the work permit(s) for a minimum of three months.