Permit to Work System

Table of Contents

Introduction

A formal written system used to control certain potentially hazardous types of work is defined as a permit-to-work system. The permit-to-work system delivers a disciplined and systematic approach to assessing the risks involved in a job. It specifies all the precautions to be taken to perform tasks safely.

What comes to your mind when you hear “Permit to work”? The first thing that pops up is the permission to work. Well, that is true.

Workplaces require permits to work, maintain, or carry out essential tasks. This means permissions from various hierarchies and departments must be obtained to do particular tasks. Our research tells us that the entire permit-to-work system is different for different workplaces. It is by no means a one-size-fits-all criterion. In fact, manufacturing workplaces have completely diverse demands when it comes to the permit-to-work system than chemical sectors.

And in this era of technological advancement, industries are constantly on the lookout for advanced permit to work systems that can improve and ensure all tasks are conducted safely. However, most industries still follow a paper-based permit-to-work system; this may not be by choice but due to the unavailability of viable solutions for control of work.

There are many software companies in the market that offer a system-based solution with a predefined structure based on a generic workflow. However, the general observation is that such PTW system solutions are not open to accommodating clients’ requirements. Instead, the client has to accommodate the available permit system.

This can further lead to many different and unforeseen challenges for the control of work system.

Let us explore why there is a need for a configurable and customizable PTW system.

What is a Permit to Work System

As discussed above, a Permit-to-work system is a requirement for every workplace. When specific tasks need to be carried out, they require the authentication and permissions of various authorities and workplaces.

It also;

  • Mentions work to be done and equipment to be used

  • Specifies the precautions to be taken when performing tasks

  • Gives consent for work to start

  • Provides a check to ensure all the safety considerations have been fulfilled – like certificates, the validity of permits and compliance with the procedures and policies.

  • Provides a checking mechanism that all work has been completed up to satisfaction.

But the above control of work system comes with its own set of challenges.

Permit System Challenges

  • Matching an existing paper-based system with an electronic PTW system is complex.

  • It is possible that the hierarchy in the existing paper-based system is different from the Electronic PTW system.

  • The existing workflow of the PTW system may be different from that of the electronic PTW system.

  • This may lead an organization to change its Permit-to-Work system, which may have to match the electronic system, thereby increasing the challenges.

  • This might require retraining all the employees, which would result in more time spent implementing the permit systems and, hence, a loss in production.

  • Organizations might want to customize the solution to match their existing hierarchies and workflows. However, this might require the time of the organization’s permit stakeholders to develop the system, which might be an added concern.

  • On the flip side, service providers might need to understand the permit system thoroughly to develop viable work control solutions. This might again prove counterproductive due to a lack of domain knowledge and experience.

The above list of challenges can be an exhaustive list, but with the correct experts on board, you can digitalize your PTW system with minimal effort.

Dos and Don’ts While Looking For EHS Experts

Here are some of the things that organizations need to remember while looking for service providers who can automate their permit-to-work systems;

  • Look for a service provider who can customize the permit-to-work system software to suit your organization’s existing hierarchies and workflows. Such an implementation of control of work ensures that stakeholders use the software with little training.

  • Ensure that the service provider will provide adequate ‘hand-holding’ for the successful implementation and utilization of the PTW system program.

  • Look to evaluate a service provider based on their domain knowledge. If they do not understand control of work systems, EHS teams will likely have to construct the intelligence behind the software.

  • Look for permit system software with a “web-based” architecture for sustainability and scalability.

  • Given the current trends, ensure that the PTW management software is scalable enough to be extended to handheld/smartphone devices using mobile apps.

  • Protecting critical information requires the utmost precautions, which must also be communicated to your service provider.

  • If a consortium (separate consultant + software developer) is sought to automate the system (which can prove costly), tripartite coordination has to be meticulously planned for speedy work control software deployment.

Conclusion

A PTW system needs to be foolproof for easy PTW management. It needs to be customizable according to your unique business requirements. The forms, workflows, and labels must be configurable. An effective PTW system ensures that no mishappenings, hazards, or overlays happen when a task is in process. Therefore, you must be crucially sure when you hire or adopt to a digital PTW system.

TECH EHS provides various EHS management software within the EHS spectrum. Our team of EHS knowledge leaders and technocrats develops software that has produced measurable and highly productive results. Various sectors have adapted our PTW system, and it has proven to be the most effective one to date. Contact us to know more.

Frequently Asked Questions(FAQ)

A PTW system is a formalized safety management tool to authorize and control potentially hazardous work activities.

The PTW system helps prevent accidents and incidents by ensuring all risks associated with a particular task are identified, evaluated, and mitigated.

Tasks that typically require a permit include but are not limited to:

● Hot work (welding, cutting, or grinding)

● Confined space entry

● Electrical work

● Work at heights

● Excavation and trenching

● Handling hazardous materials

EHS Software

Our web-based and mobile-ready HSE software solutions are a comprehensive platform for small, mid-size, and large enterprises to streamline EHS processes and standardize information management.

Solve your EHS challenges and streamline safety operations with our help.

5.1 min read Views: 300 Categories: Safety Software

Subscribe to Our Blog

Want some more? Get updates from TECH EHS, know about latest happenings, Technology news and updates.