Click here for instructions on How to Print a Web Page

Permit to Work

References:  R Record keeping requirement | E An engineering/certification requirement | P A permit to work requirement | S A safe work method statement (SWMS) / written plan


Definitions


Table 1: Definitions

Planning


During the planning stage of each project, the need for each type of permit must be assessed and a permit to work procedure established.


As the project progresses the permit to work system and associated permits will be reviewed, where necessary the permits and permit management procedure will be modified or updated.


Any modification or update must approved by the HSE Manager (or their delegate) and be clearly communicated to all project personnel.


The permit to work requirements shall be referenced in the subcontract agreement.


The permit to work requirements, permits and their application to work processes must be explained in the project induction.


Pre-commencement meetings / risk workshops must identify what types of permits are applicable to the respective subcontractor’s scope of work.


R Any work identified as requiring a permit must also require a risk assessment (e.g. SWMS) to be completed and submitted for review prior to undertaking the permitted task.


Permits may be requested by MPX employees or subcontractors.


P MPX site managers / site supervisors are responsible for authorising permits and for confirming that permits are in place for defined activities, refer to:

  • Table 2 Permit Types


MPX reserves the right to suspend or cancel any permit at any time.


Non-compliance with the permit requirements may result in the permit holder being subject to disciplinary action.


If an incident occurs during the permitted work, the permit must be suspended until the incident is investigated / incident controlled.


Table 2: Permit types

Operational


Permit Issuer


A Permit Issuer is a nominated designated MPX employee to issue permits within their area of responsibility.


The Permit Issuer is responsible for the issuance of a permit through to close out or cancellation.


Permit Holder


The Permit Holder is responsible for ensuring the permit is complied with and all persons working under the permit are competent to undertake the task and understand the safe work requirements as described in the permit and risk assessment (e.g. SWMS).


The Permit Holder is responsible for maintaining a copy of the permit in the area where the task is being performed for the duration of the task.


The Permit Holder is responsible for informing the Permit Issuer when the permitted work has been completed.


Permit Register


R WA, QLD and VIC - All issued permits must be registered on the project Permit Register. The register must as a minimum record:

  • Who the permit was issued to (MPX or subcontractor)
  • The location of the work that the permit applies
  • A permit reference number
  • The permit holders name
  • The validation period
  • The status of the permit e.g. open/suspended/cancelled/closed


Permit Management Procedure


A Permit to work procedure must be established for each project.


The Permit to work requirements must be described in the subcontract agreement and project induction.


S A SWMS must be developed for the task and submitted to MPX for review.


The relevant permit is requested (by MPX or the subcontractor).


The relevant permit and any other associated documentation is prepared, completed and submitted to the Permit Issuer for review.


The Permit Issuer reviews all submitted information for completeness, if incomplete the Permit Issuer must request further information until all required information is received.


The Permit Issuer, issues the permit to the Permit Holder.


The Permit is to be registered on the project permit register with a copy of the permit.


The Permit Holder reviews the permit, any other associated documents and risk assessment prior to commencement of the work with the all personnel working under the permit.


The Permit Holder commences the work, maintaining a copy of the permit in the work location.


The Permit Holder is responsible for managing compliance with the permit conditions/requirements.


The Permit Issuer monitors compliance with the permit requirements during the work.

  • If noncompliance is observed or an incident or emergency occurs during the permitted work, the Permit Issuer must suspend or cancel the permit.


The Permit Holder completes the work.


On completion of the work the Permit Holder must inform the Permit Issuer that the work is complete.


The Permit Issuer confirms the work is complete and closes out the permit.


R WA, QLD and VIC - The permit is to be closed out on the permit register and files the original permit.


Inspection and Monitoring


MPX must inspect work where permits are in use and audit projects for compliance against this procedure.



Legal and Other Requirements

  • AS/NZS 2865 Safe working in confined spaces
  • AS1674.1 Safety in welding and allied processes



Document Control


Version 1 August 2019 – New Standard


Version 2 July 2021 - Pipework Pressure Testing Permit included for VIC, QLD and NSW


Share by: