Getting focused on the job, and staying on target, are critically important in the hazardous work we do on a wellsite. The role of the permit is to identify what we are going to do and make sure we understand everything that could affect a successful outcome. But there are some other factors … like range and drift that could affect that.
While a PTW is an integral part of a safe system of work and can be helpful in the proper management of a wide range of activities, it may be susceptible to errors in scoping that affect the overall job. We work in an industry of high-risk activities, and we need to assess each permitted activity and check the safety at all stages of the work.
We often find that incidents can occur when there is not enough consideration of the range of activities being conducted under a single permit, or when the required scope of work changes, but the new activities have not been carefully considered (drift):
Multiple Activities in the Permit Scope
When a complex task requires several simultaneous activities: for example, work in a confined space; front end loader movements; and work at heights, or where an additional activity may be required later in the job, it can be tempting to consolidate all activities within one Permit scope of work. However, this can lead to error because the range of activities is so broad, and the permit may not be sufficiently focussed on the risks that need to be controlled for each of these different activities. If these activities are occurring at the same time, it would be difficult for one Permit Holder to provide effective supervision for each task.
The scope of work for each permit should be specific to the task being undertaken. It is ‘a means to manage single or concurrent operations conducted at wellsites in a systematic and auditable manner.’ By combining multiple scopes of work that are not related, risks may not be systematically identified and managed.
The WPA may approve multiple tasks within one scope of work, provided they can assure themselves that all risks are managed adequately and understood by all involved, and all aspects of the work can be effectively supervised at all times.
Thought needs to be given as to when to create multiple permits with individual WPHs for each activity to ensure adequate supervision and risk management is provided for each scope.
Drift
Changes in Permit Scope occur frequently, due to changes in environmental conditions, physical conditions or unanticipated changes in the activity itself.
The WPH is responsible for ‘suspending the Permit and stopping work if any variance to the Scope of Work occurs or if work conditions change.’ Where this occurs, the WPH must notify the WPA of any required changes to the scope, because these changes are not authorised under the current permit. The WPA must ensure that any required changes are fully reviewed. This will involve a careful review of any new hazards or risks that might be introduced, and the control measures required to keep the work safe. The WPA then authorises when the work can recommence. Once a scope has been defined, and a permit is issued, ANY change must be reviewed in discussion with the WPA and Work Party to verify that all changes are managed.
The WPH and WPA will validate that this occurs by:
- Amending the JSA to reflect the scope changes;
- Amending the Permit to reflect the scope changes;
- Holding a briefing with the Work Party to communicate the changes; and
- Monitoring the activity to ensure that the changes have been effectively implemented.
NOTE: The WPA may determine that the required changes to the Permit Scope are too large to continue under the current permit. Under these circumstances the permit will be cancelled and closed out, and the required activities will be completely reassessed in terms of risk management and supervision requirements.
More information
For information about completing the WPTW Form, refer to the WPTW Handbook, go to our FAQ page, contact us on 1800 078 939, or email us [email protected]