For those of you who work at altitude, limited space or other dangerous locations are familiar with work permit or work permit. Why do workers need to create work permits before entering or carrying out hazardous work? Who is authorized to issue work permits? What kind of work does a work permit require? How long is the validity period of work permit?
Some workers may still assume work permits are made only as a formality before entering a dangerous location or performing a particular job. Whereas behind it, making a work permit is very important to state the condition of the place where the work is done is safe or not and ensuring the workers do their work safely and efficiently according to the established safety procedures. Work permits not only help prevent workplace accidents, but also protect equipment from damage.
Although the role is very important, this work permit is rarely well implemented, even some evidence suggests this procedure is not implemented at all. Almost all occupational accidents that occurred in hazardous work, found no work permit issued for the job. Therefore, both supervisors and workers need to understand the importance of work permits before starting a job to prevent workplace accidents.
What is a work permit and why is it necessary?
Work permit (also known as work permit, permit to work, or secure work permit) is a document or written permission used to control certain types of work that could potentially harm workers. Work permits are needed to identify the work to be performed, the potential hazards associated with the work to be performed, and its precautions or controls.
Work permits are also usually equipped with supporting documents such as job safety analysis (JSA) and tool box checklist. Examples of work that require work permits are jobs that require workers to enter and work in confined spaces, repair activities, maintain or check electrical installations, and heavy equipment operations.
Who is authorized to issue work permits?
A work permit is issued by the supervisor / executive to the subcontractor / worker or worker who will enter a hazardous area or carry out a work deemed hazardous. Prior to granting a work permit, the supervisor / supervisor / executive will normally examine the following:
Worker health
Completeness of facilities and work infrastructure (including PPE related to work to be done)
The latest conditions in the job location, whether there are things that harm or not
Matters relating to Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) at the work site.
If the results of the examination indicate that there are no matters that could endanger the worker and the work location is declared safe, then the work permit must be signed by the authority person and the worker involved in the field.
When is the work permit required?
A work permit is required if:
The work is carried out by the contractor
There is a potential oxygen deficiency (oxygen deficiency) or excess oxygen levels
There is a potential for flammable or explosive atmospheres
There is a potential for extreme temperatures or high pressure
There is exposure to hazardous and toxic chemicals
Entering limited space
Work at height
Conducting repair, maintenance, or inspection of electrical installation
Perform repair or maintenance activities of equipment or in locations containing hazardous materials or conditions
Conducting excavation activities
Operate the machine
Perform activities related to rotating or moving machinery
Conduct activities related to radioactive material
Conducting locking activities or isolation of hazardous energy sources
What types of work permits are usually made before starting a job?
The work is carried out by the contractor
There is a potential oxygen deficiency (oxygen deficiency) or excess oxygen levels
There is a potential for flammable or explosive atmospheres
There is a potential for extreme temperatures or high pressure
There is exposure to hazardous and toxic chemicals
Entering limited space
Work at height
Conducting repair, maintenance, or inspection of electrical installation
Perform repair or maintenance activities of equipment or in locations containing hazardous materials or conditions
Conducting excavation activities
Operate the machine
Perform activities related to rotating or moving machinery
Conduct activities related to radioactive material
Conducting locking activities or isolation of hazardous energy sources
What types of work permits are usually made before starting a job?
How long does the work permit last?
The work permit must be made specific and only applicable when the conditions of the work are unchanged. The work permit is usually only short, for 8 hours or one shift, and is valid for no more than one day. The timeframe specified in the work permit usually begins at 7:00 am to 17:00 local time or working hours applicable at the venue.
When the working environment conditions change (rain, shift change, etc.), the work permit must be re-examined according to the current working environment. Previous work permits must be replaced with new work permits or if any environmental change is deemed to have no significant effect on occupational safety, work permits may be reused.
If the work in progress requires an extension beyond the time specified in the work permit, you must renew it and be authorized by the job inspector at that location.
What is the work permit procedure?
Work permits are usually made in duplicate or duplicate. When duplicated, one copy is kept as documentation and one more copy is provided for the worker. Meanwhile, for work permits made in triplicate, the third copy is kept company safety management for audit purposes, whether the work permit requirements that have been applied have been fulfilled or not.
A work permit must be made before the worker starts a work that is considered dangerous. The work permit must be returned to the authorized person (who issued the letter) at the turn of the shift or when the work is done.
In making or issuing work permits, workers or supervisors should also be careful and thorough, as many of those who are not competent understand the importance of work permits incorporated into OSH programs in the workplace. There are several factors that cause the work permit system in the company to be ineffective:
The type or format of the work permit does not cover all potential hazards
Insufficient work permit issuance procedure
The person signing the work permit does not check the operating conditions in the field, whether the source of the hazardous energy has been completely isolated or atmospheric testing has been carried out
Workers do not follow or understand the terms of work permit, especially regarding the term of work permit
The company's OHS management does not audit the work permit system
A new work permit is created after the work begins or is in progress
The responsible officer does not check the operating conditions in the field after the permit is issued
The work permit system is too complicated
Essentially, work permits are an effective tool to help identify and control hazards, prevent injuries, and avoid fatal accidents in the workplace. All workers must understand the terms of the work permit and why a work permit is required before starting the job.
Hopefully Helpful, Salam Safety!
Source: www.SafetySign.co.id