CHIEF ENGINEER Unit 10 Code of Safe Working Practice Q3

A Permit to Work (PTW) serves several vital purposes within the framework of the Code of Safe Working Practices for Merchant Seafarers (COSWP):

1. Risk Management and Control:

• Hazard Identification and Assessment: The PTW process mandates a thorough assessment of potential hazards associated with the task, ensuring that all risks are identified and evaluated before work commences.
• Control Measures Implementation: The permit outlines specific control measures to eliminate or minimize these hazards, providing a clear action plan for safe execution.
• Ongoing Monitoring: The PTW system allows for continuous monitoring of the work, ensuring that safety precautions remain in place and any unforeseen risks are promptly addressed.

2. Communication and Coordination:

• Information Exchange: The PTW acts as a central communication tool, clearly conveying crucial information about the task, hazards, and control measures to everyone involved.
• Coordination of Activities: It helps coordinate different tasks and teams working in the same area, minimizing conflicts and potential safety risks.
• Handover and Shift Changes: It facilitates smooth handovers between shifts or teams by providing a record of the work’s progress, remaining hazards, and any specific precautions.

3. Authorization and Accountability:

• Formal Authorization: The PTW serves as a formal authorization for the specified work to proceed, ensuring that only approved and safe tasks are carried out.
• Clear Responsibilities: It clearly defines the responsibilities of the issuer, receiver, and those performing the work, promoting accountability and ownership of safety.

4. Training and Competency:

• Competency Verification: The PTW process verifies that the individuals involved in the task are competent and possess the necessary skills and training to perform the work safely.
• Training Opportunity: Discussing the permit and its associated safety measures can serve as a training opportunity for less experienced crew members.

5. Incident Prevention and Investigation:

• Proactive Safety Culture: By requiring a PTW for high-risk tasks, it fosters a proactive safety culture on board, emphasizing the importance of planning and risk mitigation.
• Incident Investigation Aid: In the unfortunate event of an accident, the PTW provides valuable information for investigations, helping to identify root causes and prevent future occurrences.

In essence, a Permit to Work is more than just a piece of paper—it’s a crucial safety management tool that helps to ensure that potentially hazardous tasks are carried out in a controlled, informed, and responsible manner, safeguarding the well-being of seafarers and the integrity of the vessel.

A Permit to Work (PTW) is a crucial safety document that authorizes specific work activities in potentially hazardous environments. To fulfill its purpose, it needs to contain several key items of information:  

1. What is a Permit to Work System? A Complete Guide – Evotix

Essential Information:

1. Permit Title and Number: Clearly identifies the type of work and provides a unique identifier for tracking and record-keeping.   1. What needs to be included in a Permit to Work? – SG World blog.sgworld.com
2. Date and Time: Specifies the date and time the permit is issued, its validity period, and any extensions or cancellations.   1. Permit To Work Management Ultimate Guide | EcoOnline [ehs][epe] www.ecoonline.com
3. Location of Work: Clearly defines the exact location where the work will be carried out, including the specific compartment, machinery, or system involved.   1. Permit to work – Risk assessment – Workplace guidance – Healthy Working Lives – Public Health Scotland www.healthyworkinglives.scot
4. Description of Work: Provides a detailed and concise description of the work to be performed, including the scope and objectives.   1. What is a Permit to Work System? A Complete Guide – Evotix www.evotix.com
5. Hazards and Risk Assessment: Lists all identified hazards associated with the work and a brief risk assessment outlining the potential severity and likelihood of harm.   1. Permit to work – Risk assessment – Workplace guidance – Healthy Working Lives – Public Health Scotland www.healthyworkinglives.scot
6. Precautions and Control Measures: Details the specific safety precautions and control measures to be implemented to mitigate the identified risks. These may include:
   • Isolation and Lockout/Tagout Procedures: Detailed instructions for isolating energy sources and preventing accidental startup or release of energy.
   • Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Lists the required PPE for the task, such as safety glasses, gloves, hearing protection, and respiratory protection.
   • Ventilation and Atmospheric Monitoring: Specifies ventilation requirements or procedures for atmospheric monitoring, particularly in confined spaces.
   • Fire Prevention and Protection: Outlines fire prevention measures, such as fire watch, fire extinguishers, and emergency procedures.   1. Permit to Work Systems – HSE www.hse.gov.uk
   • Other Precautions: Any additional safety precautions or control measures specific to the task, such as securing loose objects, using safety barriers, or working in pairs.
7. Emergency Procedures: Provides clear instructions on what to do in case of an emergency, including:
   • Communication: Contact information for key personnel and emergency services.   1. What Is Permit to Work? – Sphera sphera.com
   • Evacuation: Evacuation routes and muster points.   1. MINERVA Home Page – European Commission – CIC – The Permit-to-Work System minerva.jrc.ec.europa.eu
   • First Aid: Location of first aid equipment and procedures for providing immediate medical assistance.
8. Personnel Involved:
   • Issuer: Name and signature of the authorized person issuing the permit.
   • Receiver(s): Names and signatures of the individuals or team responsible for carrying out the work.   1. All you need to know about Permit to Work systems – Verature www.verature.co.uk
   • Additional Personnel: Any other personnel involved in the work, such as safety officers or supervisors.   1. What Is Permit to Work? – Sphera sphera.com
9. Completion and Closure:
   • Completion Inspection: Space for recording the completion inspection details and confirmation that the work area is safe and left in a satisfactory condition.
   • Permit Closure: Signature and date of the person closing out the permit, indicating the work is complete and the area is safe for normal operation.   1. What is a Permit to Work and when do I need one – The Health & Safety Dept www.hsdept.co.uk

Additional Information:

• Permits may also include sections for:
  • Special tools or equipment required for the task.   1. 9 Steps To Safe Maintenance Work With A Work Permit – IntelliPERMIT www.intellipermit.com
  • Specific communication protocols or restrictions.
  • Additional permits required for specific aspects of the work (e.g., hot work, confined space entry).   1. A Quick Guide to Permit to Work (PTW) | SafetyCulture safetyculture.com

Remember that the exact format and content of a Permit to Work may vary depending on the specific task, the industry, and the company’s safety management system. However, these key elements ensure that essential safety information is communicated effectively and that risks are managed appropriately.