Safe Quarry - Health and Safety Authority

PART 2 SAFETY AND HEALTH MANAGEMENT
generally appropriate when there is only a single
source of risk,which can be eliminated by,for example,
removing a fuse and locking off an electrical isolator
switch.In more complicated cases,for example,where
there are several sources of risk or where the risk is
more severe, such as with high voltage systems, or
where complex procedures are needed before it is safe
to start work,a permit to work is usually appropriate.
The aim of the permit to work system is to ensure that
the task is carried out in accordance with the carefully
considered conditions specified in a permit drawn up
and independently verified by competent individuals.
As well as setting out the steps which must be taken
before and during the task, permits should state any
conditions to be met after the work is completed,i.e.,
the procedure for handing back the plant or area in a
safe condition for normal operations.
The Permit to Work System
Permits to work are required whenever there is a
significant risk to safety and health during an operation,
and where precise preparation of the site or
plant and clear, unambiguous communications of
procedures is needed to control the risk.A permit to
work system should set out:
(a) what work requires permits;
(b) who is authorised to issue and accept permits,
including any limitations to their authority;
(c) how the safety of a proposed system of work
and any risks it might create for others is
checked (this may include cross referencing
with other permits);
(d) how information about the hazards and the
work to be carried out is communicated;
(e) the maximum time a permit may be valid;
(f ) hand-over arrangements if work involves more
than one team, e.g. over a shift change;
(g) the hand-back/suspension arrangements in
cases where:
(i) the permit is found to be flawed or unsuitable
– for example because assumptions
upon which it was based are incorrect;
(ii) more time is needed to carry out the work
than the permit allows;
(h) arrangements for the display of the permit at
the work site;
(i) arrangements for hand-over on completion of
work; and
(j) arrangements for monitoring and revising the
system and its operation.
Examples of work at a quarry that may require a
permit include:
entry into confined spaces or other high risk areas;
entry into machinery where isolation or
locking-off procedures are insufficient to
ensure the safety of workers; and
work on high voltage systems.
Issuing a Permit
Two people are responsible for each permit: the
person issuing the permit (normally the manager
responsible for the plant or location where the work
is to be performed) and the person accepting it.These
two people should independently consider the risks
and precautions, as this substantially reduces the
chance of overlooking important issues. Expert
advice may also be required to identify the hazards
and risks and to decide what precautions are
required. Such experts must have sufficient experience
and knowledge to carry out their tasks properly.
Communication and training
All staff involved with permits to work need to
understand the hazards and the controls taken to
reduce the risks.This cannot be achieved by simply
giving everyone a copy of the permit. There needs
to be appropriate formal briefing to ensure that
everyone understands exactly what is required and
why. The use of plans and diagrams may help with
some work.Those involved also need to know when
work covered by the permit begins and whether
there are any time constraints.
Monitoring
Suitable arrangements for monitoring the operation
of the permit to work system are essential. They
typically involve testing a sample of permits to
ensure that they are completely correct and that the
precautions are appropriate to protect people from
risk and that they were followed in practice.
13. DUTIES OF PERSONS AT WORK
(Regulation 16)
16. Every person at work to which these Regulations
apply shall -
(a) comply with all applicable instructions and rules
SAFE QUARRY GUIDELINES TO THE SAFETY, HEALTH AND WELFARE AT WORK (QUARRIES) REGULATIONS 2008 23