In hazardous environments HSE managers face major challenges in maintaining safety and ensuring compliance. The risk of human error, the burden of paperwork and diverse IT systems delivering different parts of the required HSE systems can all lead to breakdown in processes leading to catastrophic incidents.

The pressing need for core elements of the safety critical task management landscape to work together more effectively has led to an increased emphasis on integration, with ISSOW (Integrated Safe Systems of Work) offering a solution which can improve safety, streamline processes and increase efficiency.

What Is ISSOW Software?

ISSOW or 'Integrated Safe Systems Of Work' is generally used to describe a modular system to manage safety critical tasks in hazardous environments, combining Permit to Work, Risk Management and Isolation Management with other important functionality to ensure that tasks can be performed safely. Although ISSOW can refer to a process involving separate systems, modern digital systems often include Permit, Risk and Isolation Management in a single package.

The Core Pillars of ISSOW

Permit to Work

A Permit to Work module provides an authorisation workflow to ensure that all necessary steps are taken to perform a task safely. It results in a permit which acts as a central record of all safety-related information for the task, along with additional data such as task location, details of personnel involved and status of the task. The permit is a good vehicle to tie together the elements of ISSOW since it is the document which is issued before a task can commence.

Risk Assessment

Before a permit can be issued for work to commence, all hazards and associated risks relating to the task should be clearly identified, along with controls to mitigate these risks. Ideally the risk assessment should be directly connected to the permit to work so that all personnel working on the task can see all risk data. During the risk assessment process, the potential hazards associated with the work are identified and evaluated. If the assessment reveals high-risk activities (e.g., working at heights, with hazardous substances, or in confined spaces), it may trigger the need for a permit to work to ensure that safety measures are followed.

Isolation Management

Isolation management involves ensuring that  any equipment or machinery which may be hazardous to those performing the task cannot be accidentally activated while the task is underway. Typically this would involve the use of LOTO (lock-out tag-out) processes to physically block access to switches, valves etc. A specific Isolations Permit can be used to control the issue and management of Isolations, providing detailed information on the isolations in force alongside other tasks being performed.

More Advanced Features of ISSOW

SIMOPS Management

Tasks occurring close to each other can cause problems on a busy worksite. Storing location and time data for each task allows SIMOPS to be more easily identified. If the permit system allows the use of layout diagrams or site maps, it may be possible to show the location of active permits, making identification of potential SIMOPS easier. Gantt charts and other planning tools may also help to provide a strategic view of SIMOPS.

Contractor Management

Many companies use sub-contractors to augment their workforce. A contractor management module as part of the ISSOW permit to work system can help to identify competences, track performance and check the validity if required certification, ensuring that only suitably qualified personnel are allowed to work on safety critical tasks.

Reporting and Audits

Effective reporting and built in audit trails within an ISSOW help to inform decision making and improve compliance. Integration with external systems such as Power BI Can provide valuable KPI data for senior management.

Mobile Capability

An increasing number of ISSOW systems support mobile working, allowing staff to access critical data on-site, some systems also support synchronisation so that tasks can be completed without a good internet connection with data synced on return to base.

Benefits of using ISSOW Software

Real Time Visibility

Having an integrated repository of all data relating to a task means that all involved parties can have access across all the core elements of the task. This helps decision making, scheduling and improves efficiency.

Improved Safety

The ability of ISSOW to mandate Risk Assessment, Isolations Management etc. before issue of a permit reduces the risk of error and improves safety for all involved.

Improved Compliance

ISSOW makes audit and reporting easier because data is centrally managed. Permits can also allow for safety inspections while the task is underway. Some systems also include the facility to manage staff and contractors, storing details of competencies and certificates which can be validated before allocating personnel to a task.

Increased efficiency

Because the core data relating to a task is stored centrally, staff do not have to learn and manage multiple systems, deal with duplicated information or physically move forms etc. around for approval and handback.  Having information centrally available makes resource planning easier. Tighter SIMOP management also avoids wasted time and resources, which translate into improved efficiency, fewer incidents and reduced costs.

What next - the future of ISSOW

It's likely that AI will play an increasing role in ISSOW. It's not hard to imagine AI being able to automatically identify hazards, or to perform sophisticated planning with large data sets.

Increased use of robotics and remote sensors already helps workers safely perform tasks which would otherwise require exposure to hazards and future improvements will lead to safer and more effective ISSOW.