Many incidents occur within our industry that are directly related to activities that can be controlled by the Wellsite Permit to Work (WPTW) system. Over the years, we have seen serious injuries, environmental damage, equipment damage and project delays as a direct result of higher risk work not being adequately planned and the risks controlled.
Risk exposures can occur from the following:
- Incorrect type of work category used
- Relying upon inadequate or incorrect information about work
- Failure to recognise the hazards where work is carried out, e.g. flammable substances
- Introduction of ignition sources into environments with potentially flammable atmospheres controlled flameproof area, e.g. welding, non-spark-proof tools, non-intrinsically safe equipment used in intrinsically safe zones
- Terms of work permit not adhered to, such as failure to isolate plant and/or verify lines are fully drained of hazardous substances
- Failure to hand-over plant in safe condition on completion of work/cancelling of work permit
- Unauthorised personnel performing work permit functions
- Inadequate management of the work permit system – where it becomes less of a tool to help manage effective work planning and risk control
- Insufficient monitoring of the work permit system – principally the responsibilities of the WPA and OCR
These are all basic errors and sadly, we see these often.
Permits are intended to allow work to start only after steps to assure foreseeable risks have been defined and a clear record that risk controls have been implemented. Utilise the WPTW system to ensure your safety and for those around you.
More information
For information about the WPTW system, contact our support centre on 1800 078 939, or email [email protected].