What is a "Permit-To-Work" system?

A Permit-To-Work (PTW) system is a formal written system used to control hazardous work activities, ensuring that all necessary safety precautions have been taken and that the work is authorized by responsible personnel before it begins. It's a key component of a comprehensive safety management system, especially in high-hazard industries like offshore oil and gas. The PTW system involves a documented process that includes hazard identification, risk assessment, the specification of necessary precautions, and authorization of the work. The permit itself is a document that details the work to be performed, the hazards involved, the precautions to be taken, and the names of the personnel authorized to perform the work. The permit must be signed by the responsible personnel, including the issuer (who verifies the site conditions and specifies the precautions) and the receiver (who confirms that the work can be performed safely). Common types of work that require a PTW include hot work (welding, cutting), confined space entry, electrical work, excavation, and lifting operations. For example, before welding on a pipeline, a PTW would be required to ensure that the pipeline is properly isolated, depressurized, and purged of any flammable materials, and that fire protection measures are in place.