How strong is your handshake?

A permit to work system is an essential element of any safety management system (SMS), particularly at a Major Hazard Facility (MHF). Poorly implemented or ineffective permit to work systems can significantly increase the risk of a major incident occurring.

The primary function of a permit to work system is to act as a formalised “handshake” between operations (the equipment/area “owner”) and the maintenance function; ensuring the area and equipment is safe for the proposed works to occur.

This “handshake” also occurs in the reverse when the equipment/area is returned. The absence of an effective permit to work system, creates risk to the maintenance function, who may have a narrower focus on the equipment or task at hand and who may not identify all hazards and risks borne through for example plant interaction and interconnections.

The Work Health and Safety (WHS) and Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Regulations contain specific duties for operators and employees of MHFs in order to prevent major incidents. Operators of an MHF must establish and implement a SMS for the MHF which is both comprehensive and integrated. An effective SMS prevents and/or mitigates the occurrence of major incidents. In order to ensure the permit to work system remains current and effective, it must be continually reviewed and revised alongside the balance of the SMS.

The team at MicroRisk Group are regularly asked to review permit to work systems to ensure they’re functioning as expected. Like any administrative control, there remains a risk that over time this important function becomes casualised or is no longer fit for the MHF’s operations.

The team at MicroRisk Group have significant experience in safety management systems across a breadth of industries. Contact us today to discuss how we can work with you to ensure your SMS including your permit to work system is fit-for-purpose and sustainable; ensuring it supports safe operations.

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