Chapter 9 Safety Permit Systems

Types of Permits Each plant has its own permitting system. Three permits common in the industry: The control of hazardous energy Confined space entry Hot work

Hot Work Permits Hot work is any maintenance procedure that produces a spark or excessive heat, or requires welding or burning.

Figure 9-1 Example of a Hot Work Permit

Confined Space Entry A confined space is a space large enough so a person can enter, has restricted entry, and is not designed for continuous occupancy. Additional permits are required for hot work, cold work, opening/blinding, or energy isolation inside the enclosed space.

Figure 9-3 Confined Space Entry

Confined Space Entry Team The team is composed of an entry supervisor, a standby or attendant, and an entrant. Each member of the team will have specific training prior to performing confined space work.

Control of Hazardous Energy The purpose of the hazardous energy standard is to protect employees from the hazards associated with the accidental release of uncontrolled energy. The are seven basic forms of energy in the industry: electrical, pneumatic, hydraulic, compressed gas and liquids, gravity, and spring tension.

Figure 9-4 Lockout/Tagout Permit

Six Steps for Locking Out Equipment Prepare for shut down Shut down of the equipment Isolation of equipment Application of lockout/tagout devices to breakers and disconnect switches, valves, and energy-isolating devices. Control of stored energy Verification step

Figure 9-5 Pump-around System

Opening or Blinding Permits The purpose of the opening or blinding permits to limit accidents through improved communications and structured guidelines for removing blinds, installing blinds, or opening vessels, lines, and equipment.

Figure 9-6 Opening or Blinding Permit

Figure 9-7 Opening or Blinding a Vessel

Routine Maintenance Permits The routine maintenance permit system is designed to prevent accidents by improving communications between process technicians and the mechanical craftsperson doing the mechanical work.

Figure 9-8 Example of a Routine Maintenance Permit