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Commissioning Safety Rules

This document outlines safety rules and procedures for commissioning work. It discusses principles for working on mechanical and electrical apparatus, as well as permits required for live work, confined spaces, hot work, and more. Safety rules aim to safeguard workers from dangers associated with plant operation during commissioning and maintenance. The contractor's permit to work manager is responsible for authorizing workers and ensuring safety precautions are followed.

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Chinmaya Jagdeep
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© © All Rights Reserved
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100% found this document useful (2 votes)
486 views31 pages

Commissioning Safety Rules

This document outlines safety rules and procedures for commissioning work. It discusses principles for working on mechanical and electrical apparatus, as well as permits required for live work, confined spaces, hot work, and more. Safety rules aim to safeguard workers from dangers associated with plant operation during commissioning and maintenance. The contractor's permit to work manager is responsible for authorizing workers and ensuring safety precautions are followed.

Uploaded by

Chinmaya Jagdeep
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
You are on page 1/ 31

Commissioning Safety Rules

LOTO/PTW Procedure
Commissioning Safety Rules LOTO/PTW Procedure

SAFETY RULES .............................................................................................. 3

PART A ................................................................................................................................................... 3

INTRODUCTION .................................................................................................................................. 3

PART B. .................................................................................................................................................. 4

PHILOSOPHY ....................................................................................................................................... 4

PART C ................................................................................................................................................... 6

PRINCIPLES FOR WORK/ACTIVITIES DURING COMMISSIONING...................................... 6


C.1 Notification of Change of Plant Status.............................................................................. 6
C.2 Work on Mechanical Plant ............................................................................................... 6
C.3 Work on Electrical Apparatus........................................................................................... 7
C.3.1 Work on High Voltage Apparatus................................................................................ 7
C.3.2 Work on Medium and Low Voltage Apparatus ........................................................... 9
C.4 Work on, or near, Live Apparatus or Plant ....................................................................... 9
C.5 Precautions for Hazardous Substances ........................................................................... 10
C.6 Work in Confined Spaces ............................................................................................... 11
C.7 Hot Work ........................................................................................................................ 12

PART D ................................................................................................................................................. 13

SAFETY RULES PROCEDURES ...................................................................................................... 13


D.1 Permit to Work (Mechanical and Electrical Permits) ..................................................... 13
D.2 Live Work Certificate ..................................................................................................... 16
D.3 Limitation of Access ....................................................................................................... 18
D.4 Confined Space Permit ................................................................................................... 18
D.5 Hot Work ........................................................................................................................ 19
D.6 Suspension of Permit to Work ........................................................................................ 20
D.7 Transfer of Permit to Work ............................................................................................. 21
D.8 Caution Tag Request Form ............................................................................................. 21

PART E ................................................................................................................................................. 22

DEFINITIONS ...................................................................................................................................... 22

PART F .................................................................................................................................................. 27

PART G ................................................................................................................................................. 30

ATTACHMENTS ................................................................................................................................. 31

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Commissioning Safety Rules LOTO/PTW Procedure

SAFETY RULES

PART A.

INTRODUCTION
A.1 These Safety Rules are to be applied to achieve safety for persons required to
work on or near apparatus/plant, from the dangers associated with civil
works, commissioning, testing, and plant operation.

A.2 The Contractor’s Permit to Work Manager will ensure that all personnel are
trained to understand the basic safety procedures and are, authorised as
required, as to be competent to carry out their duties under these Safety Rules
and ensure that they adhere to the principles and procedures provided by these
rules.

A.3 The term “work” as used in these Safety Rules may include testing. All the
Terms in italics are Part E.

A.4 Where staff are unable to comply with these Safety Rules all work must stop
Until the matter has been resolved by the Contractor’s Permit to Work
Manager (PTWC).

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Commissioning Safety Rules LOTO/PTW Procedure

PART B.

PHILOSOPHY

B.1 These rules are designed to apply to all apparatus/plant which has been
designed, installed, protected, maintained and operated, from the time when
process fluids or energy are made available for admission to the
apparatus/plant, so as to prevent danger to persons in normal operation.

B.2 When the source of potential danger is available at the point of isolation and
maintenance work has to be carried out on such apparatus/plant, it requires
special procedures to safeguard persons from the inherent dangers of the
apparatus/plant which they may encounter during the maintenance
/rectification, work or testing activities. These special procedures are covered
in these Safety Rules.

B.3 The Contractor’s Permit to Work Manager will authorise a person to carry out
duties under these Safety Rules is the main role of Contractor’s Permit to
Work Manager (PTWC). He will administer the Safety Rules and decide on
the safety precautions required and supervise the application of these
precautions where more than one member is involved with the isolation
procedure and then complete and issue a Safety Document before work is
allowed to start on apparatus/plant. He is deemed as the Contractor’s “Senior
Authorised Person”.

B.4 The Contractor’s Permit to Work Manager (PTWC) will authorise persons to
carry out duties under these Safety Rules. The Contractor’s Permit to Work
Authorised Person (AP), will decide on the safety precautions required, apply
those precautions where necessary and then complete and issue a Safety
Document before work is allowed to start on apparatus/plant. These
Contractor’s Permit to Work Authorised Person (AP) will also apply the
procedures in these Safety Rules for maintaining the safety precautions while
the work is in progress.

B.5 These Safety Rules were developed to achieve personnel and plant safety from
the inherent dangers derived from the apparatus/plant, and NOT the dangers
derived from the method, access equipment, tools and personal protective
equipment used to carry out the work.

B.6 All apparatus and plant shall be clearly identifiable by means of permanent or
Temporary identification, as required by the contract, before work starts and
will remain in position throughout the course of the work.

B.7 When it is necessary that two or more different crafts be employed to complete
the work, separate Permits to Work shall be provided and issued to each
Authorised Contractor Supervisor (ACS).

B.8 When work is being carried out by independent work groups (i.e. different
craft, separate supervision) with common lockout/tagout requirements, then
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Commissioning Safety Rules LOTO/PTW Procedure

each will be provided with a separate Permit to Work utilising the same
lockout/tagout. The lockout/tagout must be checked by Contractor’s
PTWC/Senior Authorised Person to ensure that the isolation is adequate to
cover all work required by all work groups.

B.9 A Yellow Caution tag or Green Test tag or White Jurisdictional tag SHALL
NOT be used as substitute tags for Red Danger tag where it is deemed that
personnel safety is involved.

B.10 A Green Test tag will not be attached to devices with Danger tags and Danger
Tags will not be attached to devices with Test Tags.

B.11 Because Test tags are used to allow a change of state at points of isolation,
only one Test tag may be attached to a particular device.

B.12 Red Danger Tags used in isolations for Live Work Certificates shall be
stamped with "LIVE WORK" to indicate that they may be changed to a
Testing Tag, also to indicate that no other tag may be attached to that item of
plant.

B.13 White Jurisdictional Tags will be attached to devices to demarcate the extent
of commissioning work in an area. This will indicate that the system is ready
to be commissioned or under the authority of Contractor’s Commissioning
Manager.

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Commissioning Safety Rules LOTO/PTW Procedure

PART C

PRINCIPLES FOR WORK/ACTIVITIES DURING


COMMISSIONING
C.1 Notification of Change of Plant Status

The notification process requires the issue of a Safety Rules Clearance


Certificate (SRCC) by the Contractor’s Commissioning Manager (CCC).The
Safety Rules Clearance Certificate is sent for verification in terms of relevant
drawings showing terminal points within ECC boundary and isolation points
providing safety from the system and witnessed by signature of the
Contractor’s Permit to Work Manager/Senior Authorised Person (PTWC),
Contractor’s Authorised Person (AP). Lockout Tagout is then applied to the
entire boundary isolation list by a Contractor’s Designated Person (DP). After
ensuring the creation of a safe working boundary where none of the activities
like livening/energizing/pressurising of equipment will affect to the scope of
items beyond its secured terminal points, Commissioning Manager is notified
of the same with 48 hours prior notice to the time and date noted that the plant
or apparatus will become operational. This is witnessed by signatures of
Commissioning Manager and Permit to Work Coordinator after a review
process. In case of any discrepancy or inadequacy Permit to Work
Coordinator will inform Contractor’s Permit to Work Manager/Senior
Authorised Person (PTWC) for rectification. Once the SRCC is issued
Contractor’s Permit to Work Manager/Senior Authorised Person (PTWC) then
advises all Authorised Contractor Supervisors (ACS) and site staff of the
operational dangers. All future work on the designated plant or equipment
must be according to the approved Commissioning Safety Rules LOTO/PTW
Procedure (refer to Safety Documents - Part F)

C.2 Work on Mechanical Plant

When persons are to work on, or near to apparatus/plant and the inherent
dangers of that apparatus/plant would be present in the work area, the
following precautions shall be taken to ensure safety from the inherent
dangers of the apparatus/plant and, before work starts, a Permit to Work
issued: -

C.2.1 Where apparatus/plant is driven by an electric motor, the electrical supply to


that motor shall be locked and tagged in the isolated position.

C.2.2 Where plant is driven by an energy source(s) other than an electric motor, then
The plant shall be made safe for work by isolating, locking, by applying lock
and chain if required, and tagging the energy source(s).

C.2.3 Where plant contains fluids or solids, which represent a danger to persons at
work solely due to their pressure or temperature, then the precautions shall
6
Commissioning Safety Rules LOTO/PTW Procedure

include depressurising, draining, or lowering these fluids or solids to a level,


which avoids danger. All valves and other points of isolation to maintain the
plant in this safe condition shall, where practicable, be locked and tagged in
the isolated position and shall be secured by two valves in series or by a
section of the supply pipework being physically removed and a blank secured
to the live pipework so far as is reasonably practicable (Note: In cases where
double block and bleed is not possible then single block and bleed is
acceptable.)
Drains and vent valves, which if left open, could present a danger due to fluids
or solids flowing back into the plant, shall be locked shut and tagged.

C.2.4 When the contents of the plant present a danger because of their hazardous
nature, i.e. toxic, corrosive, asphyxiating or flammable, then these contents
shall be adequately purged from the plant. Care must be taken to safeguard
persons from any hazardous emission during the purging process. See also
Confined Space work.

If the work to be done involves persons gaining access into the plant, then the
purging process must result in the atmosphere within the plant being normal
atmospheric conditions.

C.2.5 Any stored energy present in the plant must be made safe before work starts.
If this cannot be achieved, then only persons competent to deal with this stored
energy safely shall be allowed to do the work.

C.2.6 When the work involves applying a pressure or introducing a potentially


hazardous medium, into a mechanical system the Contractor’s Permit to Work
Authorised Person (AP) shall hand to the Authorised Contractor Supervisor
(ACS) of the test, a Live Work Certificate to carry out the test and a Unique
Lock and Unique Key securing key safe securing the rest of the safety keys.
The Contractor’s Permit to Work Authorised Person (AP) shall ensure that all
other safety documents are cancelled and all other work is stopped on that
mechanical system before he issues the Live Work Certificate for testing and
the area of work is clearly identified by barriers, signs and sentries as
necessary to secure the area.

C.2.7 The Permit to Work shall clearly identify any remaining inherent dangers that
remain in the area of work due to the work areas proximity to other
operational systems not associated with the actual work to be undertaken.
These warnings shall be detailed in 3(b) Special Precautions on the Permit.

C.3 Work on Electrical Apparatus

C.3.1 Work on High Voltage Apparatus

When persons are to work on, or near, high voltage apparatus and the inherent
dangers of that high voltage apparatus would be present in the work area, then
the following precautions shall be taken to ensure safety from the inherent

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Commissioning Safety Rules LOTO/PTW Procedure

dangers of the high voltage apparatus and, before work starts, a Permit to
Work issued: -

C.3.1.1 The high voltage apparatus shall be Isolated from every source of electrical
energy, including all LV sources that could generate HV, control voltages,
auxiliary voltages, mechanical devices and each point of isolation be Locked,
where practicable, in the Isolated position and tagged.

C.3.1.2 Prior to applying earths to the isolated high voltage conductors, the
Conductors shall be checked to confirm they are dead by means of a suitable
voltage detector which should itself be proved immediately before and after
testing the conductors as approved by the Contractor’s Permit to Work
Manager (PTWC).

C.3.1.3 Circuit main earths are to be applied to the isolated conductors between every
Point of isolation and the point of work, at the point of work or as near as is
practicable. If during the course of the work a substantial section of the
isolated conductors is to be disconnected from the earthed section, then
additional circuit mains earths shall be applied to that section before
disconnection takes place.

C.3.1.4 The circuit main earth should preferably be applied to all phases using a
designated earth switch, which is designed to apply earths to the isolated
conductors. When the circuit main earth has been applied, using the
designated earth switch, it shall, be locked in the earthed position and tagged.

C.3.1.5 Where no fixed earthing device is available, the circuit main earth shall be
applied to all phases in the form of portable earths, (the cross-section of which
must be at least 65 mm2 copper equivalent). The earth end of the portable
earth shall be tagged and, where reasonably practicable, locked in position.

NB The portable earths shall be inspected by the Contractor’s Designated Person


(DP) in charge before use and any found to be unsatisfactory must be
withdrawn from service immediately for repair or scrapping.

C.3.1.6 If the length of conductor between the point of work and the initial circuit
main earth(s) is sufficiently long enough to give rise to the risk of induced
voltages, e.g. open switchyard bus bars, additional circuit main earths shall be
applied as close to the point of work as practicable. This should be done
before the Permit to Work is issued or, if this is impracticable, during the
course of the work.

C.3.1.7 When the work involves applying a test voltage to the high voltage Apparatus
and or the removal of circuit main earths, the Contractor’s Permit to Work
Authorised Person (AP) shall issue to the Authorised Contractor Supervisor
(ACS) of the test, a Live Work Certificate, together with any safety keys he
requires to carry out the test and a key safe key securing the rest of the safety
keys. The Contractor’s Permit to Work Authorised Person (AP) shall ensure
that all other safety documents are cancelled and all other work is stopped on

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Commissioning Safety Rules LOTO/PTW Procedure

that high voltage apparatus before he issues the Live Work Certificate and the
area of work is clearly identified by barriers, signs and sentries as necessary to
secure the area.

C.3.1.8 Where the high voltage apparatus contains the same dangers as
apparatus/plant, the appropriate precautions specified in C.2, C.3.1, C.3.2, C.4
C.5 and C.6 shall be applied to the high voltage apparatus.

C.3.2 Work on Medium and Low Voltage Apparatus

The following precautions shall be applied for work on medium voltage


apparatus:-

C.3.2.1 The normal policy shall be to carry out work on fully isolated apparatus,
where this is practicable. All electrical supplies shall, where practicable, be
isolated and tagged and where reasonably practicable, all points of isolation of
any energy source locked and tagged before work starts and a Permit to Work
shall be issued.

C.3.2.2.Before starting work the Authorised Contractor Supervisor shall check and
verify at the point of work to confirm, that the circuits within their working
area are dead, using a voltage tester, which is itself tested before and after use.

C.3.2.3 Where the work has to be carried out on, or near to some part of the medium
voltage apparatus which has to remain live, e.g. for certain types of fault
finding, this may only be done if:-

(a) It is impracticable to do the work with the medium voltage apparatus


isolated and

(b) safe working methods using suitable insulated tools and test
instruments, together with appropriate protective clothing and
equipment are provided and

(c) These precautions make it reasonable for the work to be carried out by
a suitably Competent Person.

C.3.2.4 A Live Work Certificate shall be issued stating the condition of the apparatus
and specifying the precautions required by C.3.2.3 (b), to safeguard the
Competent Person doing the work from the inherent dangers. The Live Work
Certificate will also state whether the Competent Person needs to be
accompanied and the area of work is clearly identified by barriers, signs and
sentries as necessary to secure the area.

C.4 Work on, or near, Live Apparatus or Plant

C.4.1 When work is to be carried out on, or near, apparatus/plant and the
Contractor’s Permit to Work Authorised Person (AP) decides that the work
can be done safely with the apparatus/plant in its normal operating condition
9
Commissioning Safety Rules LOTO/PTW Procedure

he will instruct the Authorised Contractor Supervisor (ACS) on the inherent


dangers present, and the precautions to be taken by the working party,
including any limits on the work and/or work area.

C.4.2 Where Contractor’s Permit to Work Authorised Person (AP) decides that
verbal instructions are insufficient, then he shall issue a Live Work Certificate
on which these instructions are stated.

C.5 Precautions for Hazardous Substances

The following precautions are in addition to the specific precautions for


apparatus and plant already specified:-

C.5.1 Where apparatus/plant contains toxic, corrosive or flammable substances,


these must be drained or vented from the area of work which should then be
flushed or purged, where practicable, with an inert substance (such as water or
nitrogen) which does not react with the toxic, corrosive or flammable
substance.

NB. Care must be taken to ensure that there is no danger to persons from
the emission from the apparatus or plant and also that the legal
requirements for disposal of dangerous wastes are complied with. The
relevant material safety data sheets (MSDS) (Control of Substances
Hazardous to Health (COSHH)) must be lodged with the Contractor’s
Permit to Work Manager (PTWC) prior to any hazardous material
being introduced to site.

C.5.2 Where practicable the emission from the apparatus/plant during flushing or
purging should be checked to confirm that the toxic, corrosive or flammable
substance has been removed.

When the flushing or purging is completed then the apparatus/plant shall be


Isolated from each possible in feed of the toxic, corrosive or flammable
substance by two valves in series being locked shut and tagged or by a section
of the supply pipework being physically removed and a blank secured to the
live pipework so far as is reasonably practicable. (Note: In cases where double
block and bleed is not possible then single block and bleed is acceptable)

C.5.3 If it is unsure that all the toxic, corrosive or flammable substance has been
removed from the apparatus or plant, the Contractor’s Permit to Work
Authorised Person (AP) shall specify the precautions, including the use of
adequate personal protective clothing (such as visor and/or goggles, rubber
gloves, apron and boots) and equipment (such as spark proof tools), to be
taken during the course of the work on the Permit to Work.

C.5.4 The Contractor’s Permit to Work Authorised Person (AP) must obtain
specialist advice about any of these hazards where his own knowledge is
inadequate.

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Commissioning Safety Rules LOTO/PTW Procedure

C.6 Work in Confined Spaces

The following precautions are in addition to the specific precautions for


apparatus and plant already specified:-

C.6.1 No person shall enter a confined space until the Contractor’s Permit to Work
Authorised Person (AP) has issued a Permit to Work which states that it is safe
to do so and what precautions have been taken and are to be taken during the
course of entry.

C.6.2 Initially all toxic, corrosive and flammable substances shall be cleared from
the confined space by draining, venting, flushing and purging, as necessary,
and the confined space fully isolated.

C.6.3 Prior to internal access, adequate natural or forced ventilation must be


provided and maintained in use until the completion of the work. Where
forced ventilation is provided, the Permit to Work must state that if the forced
ventilation fails, all persons are to evacuate the confined space immediately
and not to return until a Contractor’s Permit to Work Authorised Person (AP)
has given them permission to do so.

C.6.4 Prior to internal access to a confined space the atmosphere inside must be
tested by a Contractor’s Designated Person (DP), to ensure that the
atmosphere is safe for people to enter and carry out the specified work, using
instrumentation approved by the Contractor’s Permit to Work Manager
(PTWC). Any sludge on the floor of the confined space should be disturbed,
checked for any vapours or gases that may be released and any residues on the
walls or roof should be checked to see if they would create hazards during the
work process and monitoring to be continued during the course of the work

C.6.5 The Contractor’s Designated Person (DP) carrying out the tests in C.6.4 must
make the Contractor’s Permit to Work Authorised Person (AP) aware of any
danger to persons present in the confined space, or adjacent to the access point
to the confined space, including the risk of ignition of flammable gases by the
work process and recommend the precautions required to ensure safety of
persons. The Contractor’s Permit to Work Authorised Person (AP) shall
ensure these precautions are included with any Permit to Work that is issued
for entry into that confined space.

C.6.6 Whenever a person, or persons are inside the confined space, at least one
person must remain outside the confined space and in continuous contact with
those persons inside and maintain a list of all personnel working in the
Confined Space. The person outside must be able to obtain help in the event
of an emergency. The permit to work will specify special precautions and
requirements for rescue equipment.

C.6.7 Where the confined space contains granular material, precautions shall be
taken to ensure that persons entering the confined space are not in danger.
This includes ensuring that persons do NOT position themselves below any

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Commissioning Safety Rules LOTO/PTW Procedure

granular material which is ‘hanging’ on the side of the confined space so as to


fall and engulf persons below. Check that the granular material is not creating
fumes or heat so as to endanger persons entering the confined space.

C.6.8 While persons are in the confined space, all means of feeding the granular
material into or out of the confined space shall be isolated.

C.6.9 The Contractor’s Permit to Work Authorised Person (AP) must obtain
specialist advice about any of these hazards where his own knowledge is
inadequate from the Contractor’s Permit to Work Manager/Senior
Authorised Person (PTWC)/ specialized Competent Person.

C.7 Hot Work

C.7.1 Hot Work is defined as any work such as welding, thermal or oxygen cutting,
heating and other fire-producing or spark-producing operations that may
increase the risk of fire or an explosion.

C.7.2 A schedule of high-risk areas where the carrying out of Hot Work may result
in a risk to the safety of personnel or plant shall be maintained by the
Contractor’s Commissioning Manager.

C.7.3 Hot Work carried out within the areas listed in the schedule shall be carried out
under the PTW requirements in accordance with these safety rules.

C.7.4 It may not always be necessary to implement a Lockout/Tagout in association


with the Hot Work, however, a PTW shall be issued to control the Hot Work.

C.7.5 Where a Work Permit Request is submitted for Hot Work, the Contractor’s
Permit to Work Authorised Person (AP) shall arrange for a Risk Assessment to
be carried out by a Contractor’s Designated Person (DP) to identify all risks
and prescribe the Control Measures.

C.7.6 The Authorised Contractor Supervisor (ACS) make himself aware of the
Control Measures prescribed and ensure that the Control Measures are carried
out before any work can commence.

C.7.7 The Authorised Contractor Supervisor (ACS) shall have the Control Measures
reassessed and validated if there is a significant change in working conditions.

C.7.8 The Authorised Contractor Supervisor (ACS) shall make a final inspection at
least 30 minutes after completion of the Hot Work on each day or shift to
ensure all risks of fire have been removed.

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Commissioning Safety Rules LOTO/PTW Procedure

PART D

SAFETY RULES PROCEDURES


D.1 Permit to Work (Mechanical and Electrical Permits)

D.1.1 The Contractor’s Permit to Work Authorised Person (AP) must be informed,
in writing using a Work Permit Request, at least 24 hours prior to the planned
commencement of work, the item of apparatus/plant to be worked on, the
extent of the work to be done, by whom and at what time and date the work is
planned to start.

D.1.2 At the appropriate time, the Contractor’s Permit to Work Authorised Person
(AP) shall arrange for the item of apparatus/plant to be released to his control
by the Contractor’s Commissioning Manager for the application of these
Safety Rules.

D.1.3 The Contractor’s Permit to Work Authorised Person (AP) shall decide on any
draining, venting or purging that is necessary for work to be done and arrange
for this to be carried out.

D.1.4 The Contractor’s Permit to Work Authorised Person and Authorised


Contractor Supervisor (ACS) shall decide on the isolation necessary and
Contractor’s Designated Person (DP) shall apply the isolation, locking the
points of isolation as required. All points of isolation shall be tagged and the
individual isolation steps will be signed as completed on the Red Danger Tag
and Lockout/Tagout form. Another Contractor’s Designated Person (DP)
with the same skill set verifies and signs on the Red Danger Tag.

D.1.5 Once the isolations are applied to High voltage apparatus, the Contractor’s
Designated Person (DP) shall determine the position(s) of the circuit main
earth(s) (if required) and shall apply these, checking beforehand that the
isolated conductors are dead, and locking the circuit main earth(s) in position,
where reasonably practicable. All circuit main earths shall be tagged.

D.1.6 The Safety keys securing the points of isolation and the circuit main earths
shall be placed in a Key safe, which is locked by both the Contractor’s Permit
to Work Authorised Person (AP) and the Authorised Contractor Supervisor
(ACS) using their own unique keys. The Authorised Contractor Supervisor
(ACS) finally checks/verifies and signs on the Red Danger Tag and
Lockout/Tagout form.

D.1.7 The Contractor’s Permit to Work Authorised Person (AP) shall check for any
stored energy within the isolated apparatus/plant and decide whether to
remove this danger himself or ensure that a suitably Competent Person carries
out the work involving the stored energy before the Permit to Work is issued.
This situation will be highlighted by the warnings contained within the Permit
to Work.
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Commissioning Safety Rules LOTO/PTW Procedure

D.1.8 The Contractor’s Permit to Work Authorised Person (AP) checks to confirm
that all the necessary precautions have been taken and all Safety keys are
locked in the Key safe, and then completes the Permit to Work up to the issue
stage.

D.1.9 The Contractor’s Permit to Work Authorised Person (AP) shall identify
clearly the item of apparatus/plant to be worked on, the extent of the work
that can be done under the Permit to Work, the safety precautions already
taken, any remaining dangers and any further precautions that the Authorised
Contractor Supervisor (ACS) must ensure are complied with during the course
of the work.

D.1.10 The Contractor’s Permit to Work Authorised Person (AP) may elect to prepare
and issue multiple P.T.W.’s where there are more than one craft or discipline
requesting Permits for work on an area of plant or equipment and he deems
that the same isolation would safely cover all work. One set of tags and locks
are used and identified by one lockout/tagout number with the tag numbers
listed on the lockout/tagout form. The Permit for each craft shall be identified
by a different P.T.W. number followed by a common applicable LOTO
number.

D.1.11 The Permit to Work shall be completed legibly and unambiguously, reflecting
the requirements contained within the Work Permit Request, by the
Contractor’s Permit to Work Authorised Person (AP).

D.1.12 Unique Locks and Unique Keys supplied by both the Contractor’s Permit to
Work Authorised Person (AP) and Authorised Contractor Supervisor (ACS)
are used to lock the Key safe and the Authorised Contractor Supervisor’s
(ACS) unique key is kept by him under his possession till completion of job.

D.1.13 If the Contractor’s Permit to Work Authorised Person (AP) has received a
report from a specialist on tests carried out on the apparatus/plant, he shall
issue this with the Permit to Work, unless he has already included this
information on the Permit to Work.
D.1.14 A Contractor’s Permit to Work Authorised Person (AP), not necessarily the
same one who had previously completed the Permit to Work then issues the
Permit to Work to the Authorised Contractor Supervisor (ACS). The
Contractor’s Permit to Work Authorised Person (AP) issuing Permit to Work
must ensure that the Authorised Contractor Supervisor (ACS) fully
understands the contents of the Permit to Work, especially the requirements in
D.1.9. By demonstrating the points of isolation if necessary.

D.1.15 The Authorised Contractor Supervisor (ACS) then signs the receipt stage of
the Permit to Work and takes his copy of the Permit to Work, Unique key into
his personal possession.

D.1.16 If the Authorised Contractor Supervisor (ACS) has a working party under his
control, he shall ensure that all members of that working party clearly
14
Commissioning Safety Rules LOTO/PTW Procedure

understand the details of the Permit to Work as related to their work, including
any dangers and limitations specified.

D.1.17 A test release of the lockout/tagout can be done to allow the testing to take
place, and if requested then a Contractor’s Designated Person (DP) will
remove the precautions as requested earlier by Authorised Contractor
Supervisor (ACS) and place Green Test Tags on the removed precautions. The
Authorised Contractor Supervisor (ACS) in charge of testing high voltage
apparatus or Plant is personally responsible for ensuring that when he
requests for Test Release to remove precautions applied by the Contractor’s
Permit to Work Authorised Person (AP) that no person is in danger while
those precautions are removed. The precautions should be re-established as
soon as practicable after the testing.

D.1.18 The Authorised Contractor Supervisor (ACS) shall remain within close
proximity to the working area all the time work under the Permit to Work is in
progress and be available to the working party at all times. He shall visit the
working area as often as necessary to ensure that the requirements of D.1.14
are met. For all High Voltage Permit to Work, the Authorised Contractor
Supervisor (ACS) shall remain with and be in control of the working party at
all times.

D.1.19 If the work has to stop before it is completed then the Authorised Contractor
Supervisor (ACS) shall instruct the members of his working party to withdraw
from the apparatus/plant and not to return. He shall then sign the Suspension
section of the Permit to Work and take it, together with any unique keys, to the
Contractor’s Permit to Work Authorised Person (AP) who will retain it in safe
custody.

D.1.20 When work is to recommence the Authorised Contractor Supervisor (ACS),


not necessarily the same person who surrendered it previously, shall see a
Contractor’s Permit to Work Authorised Person (AP) and have the Permit to
Work re-issued to him to the same standard as the initial issue specified in
D.1.9.

D.1.21 The Authorised Contractor Supervisor (ACS) signs the Re-Issue section, takes
the Permit to Work and Unique key into his personal possession and carries out
the requirements of D.1.14 and D.1.15.

D.1.22 When the work is completed the Authorised Contractor Supervisor (ACS)
shall ensure that all members of his working party are withdrawn from the
apparatus/plant and that the apparatus/plant is in a safe condition to be
returned to service, e.g. guards in position, covers and doors secured in
position.

D.1.23 The Authorised Contractor Supervisor (ACS) then signs the Clearance section
of the Permit to Work, notes any exceptions preventing the apparatus/plant
being safe for normal service, and hands the Permit to Work to a Contractor’s
Permit to Work Authorised Person (AP) and removes his Unique Lock.

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Commissioning Safety Rules LOTO/PTW Procedure

D.1.24 The Contractor’s Permit to Work Authorised Person (AP) signs the
Cancellation section of the Permit to Work and, if applicable, unlocks the Key
safe, removes the Safety keys and removes the precautions from the
apparatus/plant. The Contractor’s Designated Person (DP) shall not change
the status of the isolation point, but will only remove the lockout devices and
Red Danger tag.

D.2 Live Work Certificate

D.2.1 The Contractor’s Permit to Work Authorised Person (AP) must be informed,
in writing using a Work Permit Request, at least 24 hours prior to the planned
commencement of work, the item of apparatus/plant to be worked on, the
extent of the work to be done, by whom and at what time and date the work is
planned to start.

D.2.2 Where the Live Work Certificate will be utilised for plant commissioning/
testing the Contractor’s Permit to Work Authorised Person (AP) shall ensure
that no other Permit to Work is current on the apparatus/plant requested and
that no other apparatus/plant will be affected by the Live Work Certificate.

D.2.3 At the request of the Contractor’s Commissioning Engineer and Contractor’s


Commissioning Manager, the Contractor’s Permit to Work Manager (PTWC)
shall arrange for the item of apparatus/plant to be released to the Contractor’s
Permit to Work Authorised Persons (AP) control for the application of these
Safety Rules for live work testing and commissioning.

D.2.4 When the Contractor’s Permit to Work Authorised Person (AP) decides that
the work, (e.g. lagging and cleaning plant, working near but a safe distance
from overhead conductors) can be done safely without isolating, i.e. leaving
the apparatus or plant in its normal operating condition, he will determine the
inherent dangers present and the precautions to be taken by the working party,
including any limits on the work and/or work area.

D.2.5 Where the Contractor’s Permit to Work Authorised Person (AP) decides that
verbal instructions are insufficient, he shall issue a Live Work Certificate on
which these instructions are stated, including the inherent dangers present and
the precautions to be taken by the working party, including any limits on the
work and/or work area by demonstration at the work area if necessary.

D.2.6 When the work involves applying a pressure, electrical energy or introducing a
potentially hazardous medium, into any system the Contractor’s Permit to
Work Authorised Person (AP) shall hand to the Authorised Contractor
Supervisor (ACS) of the test, a Live Work Certificate, and a Key safe securing
the rest of the safety keys. The Contractor’s Permit to Work Authorised
Person (AP) shall ensure that all other safety documents are cancelled and all
other work is stopped on that system before he issues the Live Work Certificate
for testing and the area of work is clearly identified by barriers, signs and

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Commissioning Safety Rules LOTO/PTW Procedure

sentries (Lookout) as necessary to secure the area.

D.2.7 The Live Work Certificate shall be completed legibly and unambiguously,
reflecting the requirements contained within the Work Permit Request, by the
Contractor’s Permit to Work Authorised Person (AP) who shall then sign and
enter time and date.

D.2.8 If the Contractor’s Permit to Work Authorised Person (AP) has received a
report from a specialist on tests carried out on the apparatus/plant he shall
issue this with the Live Work Certificate unless he has already included this
information of the Live Work Certificate.

D.2.9 A Contractor’s Permit to Work Authorised Person (AP), not necessarily the
same one who had previously signed the Live Work Certificate, then issues the
Live Work Certificate to the Authorised Contractor Supervisor (ACS). The
Contractor’s Permit to Work Authorised Person (AP) issuing must ensure that
the Authorised Contractor Supervisor (ACS) fully understands the contents of
the Live Work Certificate, especially the requirements in D.2.5.

D.2.10 The Authorised Contractor Supervisor (ACS) then signs the Receipt stage of the
Live Work Certificate and takes his copy of the Live Work Certificate into his
personal possession. For Live Work Certificate for plant testing see section
D.2.6.

D.2.11 If the Authorised Contractor Supervisor (ACS) has a working party under his
control, he shall ensure that all members of that working party clearly
understand and comply with the details of the Live Work Certificate as related
to their work, including any dangers and limitations specified.

D.2.12 The Authorised Contractor Supervisor (ACS) shall remain within close
proximity to the working area all the time work under the Live Work
Certificate is in progress and be available to the working party at all times. He
shall visit the working area as often as necessary to ensure that the
requirements of D.2.11 are met.

D.2.13 If the work has to stop before it is completed, the Authorised Contractor
Supervisor (ACS) shall instruct the members of his working party to withdraw
from the apparatus/plant and not to return. He shall then sign the Suspension
section of the Live Work Certificate and take it to a Contractor’s Permit to
Work Authorised Person (AP) who will retain it in safe custody.

D.2.14 When work is to recommence, the Authorised Contractor Supervisor (ACS),


not necessarily the same person who suspended it previously, shall see a
Contractor’s Permit to Work Authorised Person (AP) and have the Live Work
Certificate Re-Issued to him to the same standard as the initial issue specified
in D.2.7.

D.2.15 The Authorised Contractor Supervisor (ACS) signs the re-issue section, takes
the Live Work Certificate into his personal possession and carries out the

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Commissioning Safety Rules LOTO/PTW Procedure

requirements of D.2.9 and D.2.10.

D.2.16 When the work is completed, the Authorised Contractor Supervisor (ACS) shall
ensure that all members of his working party are withdrawn from the
apparatus/plant and that the apparatus/plant are in a safe condition to be
returned to service.

D.2.17 The Authorised Contractor Supervisor (ACS) then signs the Clearance section
of the Live Work Certificate and hands it to a Contractor’s Permit to Work
Authorised Person (AP).

D.2.18 The Contractor’s Permit to Work Authorised Person (AP) will clear the isolation
steps as per the Lockout/Tagout form and sign the Cancellation section of the
Live Work Certificate. The Permit to Work can then be cancelled in the Permit
to Work Register.

D.3 Limitation of Access

Where the Contractor’s Permit to Work Authorised Person (AP) considers that
safety from danger can be achieved by limiting the area and extent of the
work, then a Limitation of Access may be issued. The Limitation of Access
shall clearly define the work that may be carried out and the area in which the
work may be done.

D.4 Confined Space Permit

D.4.1 The Contractor’s Permit to Work Authorised Person (AP) must be informed,
in writing using a Work Permit Request, at least 24 hours prior to the planned
commencement of work, the item of apparatus/plant to be worked on, the
extent of the work to be done, by whom and at what time and date the work is
planned to start. Where possible the Authorised Contractor Supervisor will
indicate on the Work Permit Request any dangers from chemical, mechanical
or electrical that may be present within or affecting the confined space.

D.4.2 It may not always be necessary to implement a Lockout/Tagout in association


with the Permit to Work for a confined space, however, a Permit to Work shall
be issued to control the work being carried out.

D.4.3 The Contractor’s Permit to Work Authorised Person shall discuss the work
required and the nature of the confined space with the Authorised Contractor
Supervisor. The Authorised Contractor Supervisor shall ensure that the
Contractor’s Permit to Work Authorised Person is aware of any dangers
relating to the confined space.

D.4.4 The Contractor’s Permit to Work Authorised Person will assess the Work
Permit Request and decide on the Lockout/Tagout requirements (if required) to
safely isolate the apparatus/plant for the work to be carried out.

D.4.5 The Contractor’s Permit to Work Authorised Person will complete the
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Commissioning Safety Rules LOTO/PTW Procedure

confined space Permit to Work including the "Description of Possible


Hazards" section with the Authorised Contractor Supervisor.

D.4.6 After the Lockout/Tagout procedure has been carried out to safely isolate the
apparatus/plant a suitably trained Contractor’s Designated Person (DP) shall
carry out the atmospheric testing and complete the "Atmospheric Test Result"
section of the Permit to Work.

D.4.7 Before issuing the Permit to Work, the Contractor’s Permit to Work
Authorised Person shall ensure that the Authorised Contractor Supervisor and
all members of the work party are aware of the dangers and restrictions for
working in a confined space. The Authorised Contractor Supervisor shall
check the "Description of Possible Hazards" and the "Atmospheric Test
Results" to ensure all conditions for entry have been met.

D.4.8 The Authorised Contractor Supervisor will be responsible for all workers
within the confined space and shall remain and be in control of the work at all
times. The Authorised Contractor Supervisor shall also ensure the correct
procedure is adhered to with regard to the confined space signature sheet.

D.4.9 On completion of the work the Authorised Contractor Supervisor shall ensure
all members of the work party have vacated the confined space and signed off
the signature sheet. The Permit to Work with the Signature Sheet attached
shall be returned to the Contractor’s Permit to Work Authorised Person.

D.5 Hot Work

D.5.1 The Contractor’s Permit to Work Authorised Person (AP) must be informed,
in writing using a Work Permit Request, at least 24 hours prior to the planned
commencement of work, the item of apparatus/plant to be worked on, the
extent of the work to be done, by whom and at what time and date the work is
planned to start. Where possible the Authorised Contractor Supervisor will
indicate on the Work Permit Request any possible dangers resulting from the
Hot Work being carried out.

D.5.2 It may not always be necessary to implement a Lockout/Tagout in association


with the Permit to Work for Hot Work, however, a Permit to Work shall be
issued to control the work being carried out.

D.5.3 The Contractor’s Permit to Work Authorised Person shall discuss the Hot
Work required with the Authorised Contractor Supervisor. The Authorised
Contractor Supervisor shall ensure that the Contractor’s Permit to Work
Authorised Person is aware of any dangers relating to the Hot Work.

D.5.4 The Contractor’s Permit to Work Authorised Person will complete the Hot
Work Permit to Work and shall arrange for a Risk Assessment, and Control
Measures to be carried out by a Contractor’s Designated Person (DP).

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Commissioning Safety Rules LOTO/PTW Procedure

D.5.5 The Contractor’s Permit to Work Authorised Person will assess the Work
Permit Request and decide on the Lockout/Tagout requirements (if required) to
safely isolate the apparatus/plant for the work to be carried out.

D.5.6 Before issuing the Permit to Work, the Contractor’s Permit to Work
Authorised Person shall ensure that the Authorised Contractor Supervisor and
all members of the work party are aware of the dangers and restrictions for the
Hot Work.

D.5.7 The Authorised Contractor Supervisor shall ensure that all Control Measures
have been carried out before any work begins.

D.5.8 The Authorised Contractor Supervisor will be responsible for all workers
under his control and shall remain and be in control of the work at all times.
The Authorised Contractor Supervisor shall also ensure the correct procedure
is adhered to with regard to the Hot Work.

D.5.9 After cancellation of the Hot Work Permit to Work the Authorised Contractor
Supervisor shall make a final inspection at least 30 minutes after completion
of the Hot Work on each day or shift and also after signing ‘Clearance’ section
on Permit for Work as work completed.

D.6 Suspension of Permit to Work

D.6.1 Suspension of a Permit to Work is designed to allow the Authorised


Contractor Supervisor (ACS) to suspend work on the apparatus/plant to
allow:

(a) Testing to be carried out by another craft/section during the currency of the
Permit to Work
(b) Isolation of the apparatus/plant or associated apparatus/plant or part
there of where the work is suspended and the permit is a Live Work Permit.
(c) Plant operation as required by the Contractor’s Commissioning Manager.

Note: A Confined Space Permit is NOT permitted to be suspended, but must


be cancelled and a new Work Permit Request submitted by the Authorised
Contractor Supervisor.

D.6.2 The Authorised Contractor Supervisor is to ensure that when the Permit to
Work is suspended that it is in fully isolated state as required by the
Lockout/Tagout form.

D.6.3 The Authorised Contractor Supervisor is to indicate in the "Suspension


Details" section (of both the Original and Duplicate copies), the details of why
the Permit to Work is suspended and if the apparatus/plant is in a serviceable
condition.

D.6.4 Before the Permit to Work is reissued to the Authorised Contractor Supervisor

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Commissioning Safety Rules LOTO/PTW Procedure

and the Contractor’s Permit to Work Authorised Person shall ensure the
isolation has been restored to the original condition as required by the
Lockout/Tagout form. The Permit to Work can only be reissued from
suspension to the original Authorised Contractor Supervisor who suspended
the Permit to Work, unless the Permit to Work Transfer has been completed.

D.7 Transfer of Permit to Work

D.7.1 A Permit to Work can be transferred between Authorised Contractor


Supervisors from the same section and craft to allow for:

(a) Work being carried out across more than one shift to allow for longer-term
isolations. The Permit to Work can be transferred between the Authorised
Contractor Supervisors of each shift.
(b) An unexpected or planned absence of the Authorised Contractor
Supervisor.
(c) Unforeseen circumstances relating to the Authorised Contractor
Supervisor requiring to transfer a Permit to Work.

D.7.2 The Permit to Work can only be transferred between suitably trained
Authorised Contractor Supervisors from the same section and craft.

D.7.3 When transferring the Permit to Work both the original and duplicate copies
of the Permit to Work must be completed by the Authorised Contractor
Supervisors. The Contractor’s Permit to Work Authorised Person issuing the
transferred Permit to Work must ensure that the Authorised Contractor
Supervisor receiving the Permit to Work understands all warnings as shown on
the Permit to Work.

D.7.4 It will be the responsibility of the Authorised Contractor Supervisor receiving


the transferred Permit to Work to ensure he fully understands the extent of the
isolation of the apparatus/plant, the work progress and any warnings relating
to either the work in progress or to the isolation.

D.7.5 The Authorised Contractor Supervisor who has received the transferred
Permit to Work shall be responsible for signing off the Permit to Work when
all work is complete.

D.8 Caution Tag Request Form

This tag can be requested by any competent person involved in commissioning


and start-up activities to the Contractor’s Permit to Work Authorised Person
(AP). This tag shall serve the purpose to warn and indicate a temporary abnormal
condition that may affect the system being operated or other systems that may
be affected by the operation of the component or system. The request form
shall have plans on rectification of the temporary abnormal condition on a
permanent basis.

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Commissioning Safety Rules LOTO/PTW Procedure

PART E
DEFINITIONS
Contractor’s A Competent Person responsible for scheduling and co-
Commissioning Manager ordinating all plant commissioning activities and
(CCC) preparing documentation to allow SRCCs to be
progressively issued, he is also responsible for releasing
plant back from operational control for permit to work
activities. Upon his acceptance of ECC the system
comes under his full care, custody and control including
all safety aspects. Contractor’s Commissioning Manager
is ultimately responsible for implementing
Commissioning Safety Rules LOTO/PTW Procedure.

Contractor’s Permit to A Competent Person nominated in writing by the


Work Manager/Senior Contractor’s Commissioning Manager to operate and
Authorised Person control the site Safety Rules and is responsible for co-
(PTWC) ordinating and issuing the Permit to Work when an
isolation involves more than one member. He controls
the implementation of Commissioning Safety Rules
LOTO/PTW Procedure. The PTWC is the “Senior
Authorized Person” who performs “Secondary
Verification” which is the process of having the
appropriate skill sets/expertise, to verify that the
Isolation Devices listed on the “switching order” are
correct, sufficient and complete - verifying that the
“switching order” has been properly constructed and
authorizes it (no errors and/or omissions on the
Switching Order).

Contractor’s Permit to A Competent Person nominated in writing by the


Work Authorised Person Individual Members to the Contractor’s Permit to Work
(AP) Manager (PTWC) and authorised in writing by the
Contractor’s Permit to Work Manager (PTWC) to
decide on the safety precautions necessary to make
apparatus and/or plant safe for work and to prepare,
issue and cancel Permit to Work and Live Work
Certificates. He is designated as being trained and able
to establish “isolation guarantee” on machines or
equipment in order for servicing or maintenance on a
machine, equipment or system by constructing a
“switching order”. The PTW Authorized Person must be
uniquely accounted for the use of a group lockbox, red
tags, individual equipment lock or signing onto the
“Lockout Tagout Form”. The Authorized Person signs
and issues all types of permits and lockout tagout. PTW
Authorized Person ensures and gives isolation guarantee.

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Commissioning Safety Rules LOTO/PTW Procedure

Contractor’s Designated A person with required qualification and experience


Person (DP) who has been given specific training to carry out and
verify isolations on the plant/equipment/system. The
Contractor’s Designated Person will implement lockout
tagout by carrying out the isolations and securing the
“energy isolating devices” with lockout tagout devices,
locks and tags. This group will be comprised of
personnel specifically designated for electrical
Isolations, mechanical isolations and C&I isolations.
Once isolations are carried out by a “Contractor’s
Designated Person”, another Contractor’s Designated
Person with the same skill sets should verify the
isolations and sign on the “Red Tag”.

Authorised Contractor A Competent Person trained in the P.T.W. rules and


Supervisor (ACS) procedures by the Contractor’s Permit to Work Manager
(PTWC) and authorised in writing by the Contractor’s
Permit to Work Manager (PTWC) to
request/obtain/suspend/transfer and sign clearance of
P.T.W., also control specified Safety Documents on
specified apparatus and/or plant and provide supervision
to a working party. Also shares the responsibility of
ensuring that the actual isolations performed at the field
are in accordance with those listed in the switching order
by verifying it physically and signing on the “Red Tags”
and “Lockout Tagout Form” and responsible for
preparing “job safety analysis/method statements” and
providing “pre job briefing” to the craft group on a daily
basis. Authorized Contractor Supervisor uses isolation
guarantee and works under the safety provided by it.

Competent Person A person nominated by the Individual Construction


Managers who can demonstrate, to the Contractor’s
Permit to Work Manager, or his designated deputies,
sufficient technical knowledge and experience to avoid
danger.

PTW The role of Permit to Work Coordinator will include


Coordinator providing cross-boundary coordination, support and
oversight to the Contractor’s implementation of
Commissioning Safety Rules LOTO/PTW Procedure by
auditing adequacy of safe working boundaries and
relevant permits.

23
Commissioning Safety Rules LOTO/PTW Procedure

Apparatus Any item of electrical or mechanical equipment involved


in the Power Plant Operations within the various
systems, but not including fixed and portable tools.

Caution Tag This tag shall be attached to any Power Plant apparatus
or systems at normal control stations to indicate a
temporary abnormal condition that may affect the
system being operated or other systems that may be
affected by the operation of the component or system.
Caution tags will not be used for personnel safety.

Circuit main earth(s) A conductor connecting an electrical circuit to earth,


which is capable of carrying the full short circuit fault
current if that circuit is inadvertently connected to its
normal supply, or through insulation breakdown.

Confined space A space which is liable to contain dangerous


accumulations of gases, or a lack of oxygen, due to poor
ventilation. It may have restricted access and movement
within the space, but it can include open topped tanks
and pits. Also hoppers or bunkers that handle loose
materials which can cause engulfment of persons
present.

Control Measures The safety measures as assessed by a suitably qualified


person that must be completed by the Authorised
Contractor Supervisor before any Hot Work can be
carried out.

Danger A risk to the health of, or bodily injury to, persons and
potential damage to apparatus/plant

Danger Tag This tag will be attached to the points of isolation


including circuit breakers, fuses, earth switches, valves
handles, dampers and any other operating mechanism,
which controls the admission of a potential energy
source to, or the operation of a mechanical device within
a safe working area for the protection of personnel and
equipment.

24
Commissioning Safety Rules LOTO/PTW Procedure

Earthed Connected to the general mass or earth, such that any


fault current will be dissipated without danger.

High Voltage A voltage greater than 650 volts

Hot Work Hot Work is defined as any work such as welding,


thermal or oxygen cutting, heating and other fire-
producing or spark-producing operations where the risk
assessment done by the Contractor’s Permit to Work
Authorised Person deems there is a definite risk of fire
or an explosion.

Isolated An adequate physical barrier such as a valve, blank,


brake or physical gap, between the live operational
system and the working area, which prevents the
inherent dangers reaching the safe working area.

NOTE: An open HV circuit breaker does not provide


isolation.
 Control valves cannot be used for an
isolation.

Jurisdictional Tag A tag, which indicates components, systems and


structures, are under the jurisdiction of contractor’s
commissioning personnel, and have no authority under
the Permit to Work rules and procedures.

Key safe A cabinet for holding Safety keys, being used to lock
isolation points of a lockout/ tagout. The Key safe will
be locked by the Contractor’s Authorised Person (AP)
and Authorised Contractor Supervisor (ACS) locks to
prevent de-isolation of the lockout/ tagout before work is
complete. Also guarantees safety where there are
multiple permits issued on the same isolation.

Limitation of Access Where the Contractor’s Permit to Work Authorised


Person (AP) considers that safety from danger can be
achieved by limiting the area and clearly defining the
extent of the work, then a Limitation of Access may be
issued. These permits are also used where all work
needs to be controlled in Switchyards and Motor Control
Centre Buildings even though unrelated to the
Switchgear.

25
Commissioning Safety Rules LOTO/PTW Procedure

Locked Secured with a unique lock so that the item is


immobilised and cannot be moved from its present
condition. Used in the isolation of an energy source or a
mechanical, chemical or gas danger to an isolated safe
working area and recorded on the Lockout/Tagout Form
associated with a Permit to Work.

Lockout/Tagout Form The Lockout/Tagout Form is a stepped procedure for


making apparatus/plant safe for work. It indicates the
related PTW Number, system affected including nature
of work, the individual isolation steps, locking, tagging
and isolation completed authority. The isolation
‘Checked By’ section need only be completed by the
members that are affected.

PTW Register The Permit to Work Register is maintained by the Permit


to Work office and is an official register of current and
cancelled PTWs. The register indicates each Permit to
Work unique number, type of permit, plant item and
details of issue and cancellation date, times and
supervisor.

Plant Mechanical equipment capable of movement, such as


conveyors, pumps, fans and overhead travelling cranes
and fixed mechanical equipment such as pressure
vessels, tanks and pipework.

Safety key The key to a safety lock used to secure points of


isolation and earths in the position required.

Suspension of PTW All Permits to Work except for Confined Space Permits
can be suspended to allow for plant operation, testing
and work progress problems. The isolation may be
removed to allow for the above, but must be re-instated
before reissue of the Permit to Work.

Test Tag This tag shall be attached to all control components


involved in a test indicating the component or system is
approved to be operated under a test condition. Test tags
shall not be used for personnel safety.

Transfer of PTW A Permit to Work may be transferred between


Authorised Contractor Supervisors (ACS) from the same
section and craft. The Authorised Contractor Supervisor
(ACS) receiving the transferred Permit to Work takes
responsibility for all aspects of the work and safety.

26
Commissioning Safety Rules LOTO/PTW Procedure

Medium Voltage A voltage above 220 volts and up to 650 volts.


Miscellaneous lighting and power final subsections are
covered by construction safety procedures as are
temporary power supplies unless those temporary power
supplies are connected to permanent plant or apparatus
in which case these plant or apparatus will be governed
by these safety rules.

Low Voltage 50 VDC to 220 VDC


24 VDC to 50 VDC does not fall under these rules
unless applied to high energy sources such as chargers,
switchboards, batteries, transformers or plant integrity is
at risk at which point these rules will then apply.

27
Commissioning Safety Rules LOTO/PTW Procedure

PART F

SAFETY DOCUMENTS:

Notification of Change of A safety document that requires the Contractor’s


Plant Status Commissioning Manager and the Contractor’s Permit to
Work Manager to verify that the system or sub-system
has achieved erection completion and is ready to be
energised or pressurised. This pre-requisite is a part of
the issuance of a Safety Rules Clearance Certificate. An
index register must be kept by the Permit to Work office
of all SRCC’s.

Safety Rules Clearance A safety document that requires ample prior notice to the
Certificate Contractor’s Permit to Work Manager/Senior
Authorised Person (PTWC) from each member via
Notification of Change of Plant Status to enable the
issue of the SRCC.
This certificate signifies the end of the construction
safety phase and the plant, equipment and boundaries
described on the CERTIFICATE from the time
designated on the CERTIFICATE, all safety aspects will
be covered by the Commissioning Safety rules.

On issue of the Safety Rules Clearance Certificate the


Live or Energised released items is added to the Live or Energised
Equipment List Equipment List which is a complete record of items
becoming operational. This list should be immediately
distributed to all Authorised Contractors Supervisors to
warn all affected staff of change of status.

Permit to Work A safety document assigned a number from the register


and is used to set people to work on apparatus/plant that
has been Isolated as per the Start-up and Commissioning
Safety Procedures. These can be either Electrical or
Mechanical Permits, Limitation of Access, Live Work
Certificate, Confined Space or Hot Work Permits. The
Permit contains specific information such as apparatus to
be worked on, key safe, nominates the ACS receiving
the permit, isolation summary, special precautions to
carry out the work.

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Commissioning Safety Rules LOTO/PTW Procedure

Work Permit Request A request to have a section of apparatus and plant made
safe from danger to allow work to be carried out on or
adjacent to the apparatus and plant, and for the issue of
a Permit to Work to allow work to commence safely.
The Contractor’s Permit to Work Authorised Person
determines from information on the Work Permit
Request Form which type of Permit is suitable to carry
out the work.

Electrical Permit to Work A Safety document used whenever the extent of the
[ref. D1 and electrical work requires a permanent locked and danger
attachments (g) and (n)] tagged points of isolation to prevent livening up from
any possible AC or DC electrical energy source for the
duration of the work. Some Electrical Permit to Work
isolations may also require additional locked and tagged
points of isolations to prevent danger from mechanical
movement or admission of a dangerous medium such as
high pressure steam water, oil or gas. All tags used in
the isolation will be detailed on an attached lockout/
tagout sheet.

Mechanical Permit to Work A Safety document used whenever the extent of the
[ref. D1 and mechanical work requires a permanent locked and
attachments (h) and (n)] danger tagged point/s of isolation to prevent injury or
damage to plant for the duration of the Permit. Some
Mechanical Permit to Work isolations may require
additional locked and danger tagged points of isolation
to prevent danger from movement from an electrical
source or due to close proximity to an exposed electrical
conductor or to prevent danger from mechanical
movement or admission of a dangerous medium such as
high pressure steam water, heat, oil or gas. All tags used
in the isolation will be detailed on an attached lockout/
tagout sheet.

Live Work Certificate A safety document used to set persons to work on


[ref. D.2 and apparatus/plant which has not been Isolated or partially
attachment (f)] Isolated to allow for commissioning/plant testing
activities and work on or near in-service plant.

Limitation of Access Where the Contractor’s Permit to Work Authorised


[ref. D.3 and Person (AP) considers that safety from danger can be
attachment (e)] achieved by limiting the area and extent of the work,
then a Limitation of Access may be issued. The
Limitation of Access shall clearly define the work that
may be carried out and the area in which the work may
be done.

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Commissioning Safety Rules LOTO/PTW Procedure

Confined Space Work Permit A safety document that is made up from the following
(ref. D4) specific information: -
 Requirement determined from the station confined
space register
 Clear definition of the work to be carried out
 Completion of a questionnaire on the risks involved
and itemizing all the precaution to be taken
 The time period for the validity of the permit
 A description of the possible hazards within the
confined space
 A report on the atmospheric test results within the
confined space immediately prior to entry
 Accompanied by a signature sheet for entry control

Hot Work Permit Where the Contractor’s Permit to Work Authorised


(ref. D5) Person (AP) deems from the Work Permit Request
‘DESCRIPTION OF WORK’ that a ‘Hot Work Permit’
is required, he in conjunction with the Authorised
Contractors Supervisor (ACS) completes a Risk Analysis
to safely carry out the work. From the nature of the risks
involved a safe isolation can be determined and any
additional special precautions noted on the Permit and
implemented during the currency of the work.

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Commissioning Safety Rules LOTO/PTW Procedure

PART G

ATTACHMENTS

(a) Work Permit Request


(b) Caution Tag Request Form
(c) Lockout Tagout Form
(d) Lockout Tagout Form Continuation Sheet
(e) Limitation of Access
(f) Live Work Certificate
(g) Electrical Permit to Work
(h) Mechanical Permit to Work
(i) Hot Work Permit to Work
(j) Confined Space Permit to Work
(k) Confined Space Signature Sheet
(l) Confined Space Register
(m) Flow Chart for Live Work Certificate
(n) Flow Chart for Mechanical-Electrical Permits
(o) Flow Chart for Application of the SRCC
(p) Flow Chart for Hot Work Permit
(q) Permit to Work Register
(r) Safety Rules Clearance Certificate
(s) Authorised Contractors Supervisor Certification (Electrical)
(t) Authorised Contractors Supervisor Certification (Mechanical)
(u) Contractor’s Authorised Persons and Contractor’s Designated Persons
Certification
(v) Flow Chart for PTW and LOTO Coordination
(w) Safety Rules Clearance Certificate Procedure

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