CHIEF ENGINEER Unit 10 Code of Safe Working Practice Q1 Answer

  1. The Code of Safe Working Practice for Merchant Seafarers states that Permits to Work must be obtained before certain tasks can be undertaken.
    (a) List the conditions to be met before a Permit to Work is issued.(4)
    (b) State FOUR points that would be listed as part of a Permit to Work for a typical task within the machinery spaces of a vessel.(4)
    (c) State the time period over which a Permit to Work remains in force, outside of workshop areas.(2)

(a) Conditions to be met before a Permit to Work is issued (4)

  1. Hazards have been identified and assessed by means of a risk assessment.
  2. All necessary safety precautions are in place (e.g. isolation of equipment, ventilation, fire fighting readiness).
  3. Competent personnel are available to carry out the work safely.
  4. Authorisation obtained from a responsible officer, ensuring that all relevant departments are informed.

(b) FOUR points listed on a Permit to Work for a machinery space task (4)

  1. Description of the work to be carried out (e.g. hot work, entry into enclosed space, maintenance on pressurised system).
  2. Safety precautions required (e.g. isolation/lock-out, fire watch, use of PPE, gas-free certificate).
  3. Names of persons authorised to carry out and supervise the work.
  4. Emergency procedures to be followed (e.g. alarm signals, escape routes, first aid provision).

(c) Time period over which a Permit to Work remains in force, outside workshop areas (2)

  • A Permit to Work is valid only for the duration of the specific task or one work shift (normally not exceeding 24 hours).
  • It must be revalidated or re-issued if work continues beyond this period.