A Digital Permit To Work system is a useful tool for managing work tasks safely by providing a structured framework for logging, approving and handing back permits. By implementing a robust PTW system, organisations can significantly reduce the risk of accidents and injuries, protect their employees, and comply with safety regulations.
We'll break this down a bit and look at the specific features of a PTW system which can significantly improve safety.
Enhanced Risk Management
- Identifying potential risks: Risk assessments help identify all potential hazards associated with the work to be performed. This includes both obvious and less apparent risks. In some cases the risk assessments are attached to the permit allowing all staff involved to take the appropriate measures to work safely.
- Evaluating risk severity/likelihood: Once risks are identified, they are evaluated to determine their severity and the likelihood of occurance.
- Implementing control measures: Based on the risk assessment, appropriate control measures can be put in place to mitigate or eliminate the identified hazards. These measures may include providing personal protective equipment, isolating the work area, or modifying work procedures.
- Supporting decision-making: The risk assessment provides a framework for decision-making regarding whether the work should proceed and what safety precautions should be taken.
- Ensuring compliance with regulations: Risk assessments help ensure that organisations comply with safety regulations and industry standards.
- Providing evidence of due care: In the event of an accident or incident, a well-documented risk assessment can be used as evidence of due care and diligence.
- Supporting continuous improvement: Risk assessments can be used to identify areas for improvement and to develop more effective safety measures.
- Real-time Updates: Changes in conditions or new hazards can be updated quickly, ensuring that workers are aware of any new risks.
Improved Communication
- Clear and Timely Notifications: Digital systems can track and display information about permit status, changes in conditions etc. giving staff the information required to work safely. Since paper copies of permits are not required, staff do not have to waste time moving paper around their organisation and there is also less chance of confusion caused by multiple copies of the same information being circulated in paper form.
- Reduced Miscommunication: A Digital PTW system acts as a central communication hub, providing a single source of truth for all stakeholders. This eliminates the need for multiple communication channels and reduces confusion. Clear communication helps prevent misunderstandings and errors that can lead to accidents.
- Clear Communication of Responsibilities: A permit to work system can clarify the responsibilities of each party involved in the work, for example , who issued the permit and who is performing the task. This can increase accountability and ensure that safety measures are followed.
Enhanced Compliance
- Automated Tracking: Digital systems can automatically track permit expiration dates and compliance requirements, ensuring adherence to regulations and therefore reduced risk of safety violations.
- Contractor Management: A digital system can store details of competences and insurance certificates for any sub-contractors and ensure that these are all current and relevant to the job to be performed
- Reduced Risk of incidents: Having a well-managed permit system should ensure that the risk of incidents is minimised, because staff have the information necessary to do the job safely.
SIMOP Management
- Clear Communication: SIMOP identification ensures that all personnel involved in simultaneous operations are aware of each other's activities.
- Reduced Risk of Accidents: By understanding potential interactions, workers can take necessary precautions to avoid unintended interference and prevent accidents. In case of an emergency, SIMOP identification can help emergency responders understand the situation quickly and respond effectively.
Digital Permit Boards
- Digital permit boards can display information on all permits in force in a specific area or across an entire site, often allowing permit details to be shown on site layout diagrams. Because the data is accessible remotely stakeholders across the organisation can be kept up-to-date about the status of jobs and can identify possible issues which could compromise safety (e.g. SIMOPS). The addition of location information for permits provides a richer picture of activity on the work site - better information helps better decision making which in turn has a positive effect on the safety of tasks undertaken.
Data-Driven Decision Making
Because all data relating to permits is centrally managed, it is normally accessible via an API and can be analysed to reveal trends and patterns which may help in the implementation of processes to improve safety.
Isolations Management
Isolation management is used to prevent accidents and injuries when working on hazardous equipment by ensuring that it is safely isolated from power sources, pressure, or other sources of energy to prevent accidental activation or release of hazardous substances. before work can begin.
A Permit to Work system can manage isolation approval, verification and the production of LOTO tags for the isolated equipment, ensuring that everyone is aware of its status throughout the job and so no accidental activation can occur.