See unitsDeck work safely: snap-back zones, working aloft and over the side, enclosed spaces and permits to work (ratings)
Permits to work, risk assessment and toolbox talks
1The lesson in plain words
A permit is a signed record that a job’s hazards are controlled. Work only within its scope and validity. Stop and report if conditions change.
What a permit is
A permit to work (PTW) is a written, signed form, part of the ship's safety management system (SMS), confirming that the controls for a hazardous job are in place before it starts. It does not make the job safe by itself; it makes sure the safety steps are followed. Typical permit jobs are enclosed-space entry, hot work, work aloft or over the side, isolating machinery or electrics, and work on deck in bad weather.
Risk assessment and toolbox talk
Every permit rests on a risk assessment: what could go wrong, how likely and how bad it is, and which controls reduce the risk. Before work starts, the team holds a toolbox talk, a short briefing at the job on the task, hazards, controls, who does what and how to stop. Speak up if anything is unclear. If conditions change, stop and report: the permit is suspended until the change is assessed.
Who signs
An authorised officer issues and closes the permit after checking the precautions. The competent person doing the work countersigns to show they understand it, and should not be the same person as the authorised officer. The permit states the location, the work, tests done, safety measures and its validity: no more than 24 hours in the COSWP, and eight hours for enclosed-space entry in the IMO recommendations.
Isolation
Isolation separates equipment from every energy source. Release or restrain stored energy, then have a competent person verify the isolation before work starts. Lock out, tag out (LOTO) secures isolating points with locks and identifying tags under the ship's procedure. Never remove another person's lock or tag. The officer coordinates related permits so work cannot conflict and shared isolations remain effective.
Closing
Do only the work on the permit. When it is done, make the site safe and report to the authorised officer. They confirm everyone and all tools are clear and coordinate safe reinstatement under the ship's procedure. Keep isolations in place until release is authorised; personal locks are removed by their owners under that procedure. The officer records completion and closes the permit.
2Key data
- Permit validity (COSWP)
- No more than 24 hours
- Enclosed-space entry permit (IMO)
- No more than 8 hours
- Signatures
- Authorised officer issues and closes; worker countersigns
3Key points
- 1
A permit records that controls are in place; it does not make a job safe by itself.
- 2
Permits rest on a risk assessment and start with a toolbox talk at the job.
- 3
Do only the work on the permit; lock out and tag out, and never remove another person's lock.
- 4
The authorised officer issues and closes the permit; the person doing the work countersigns.
4Frequent mistakes
Wrong: Once the permit is signed, changing conditions do not matter.
Right: If conditions change, stop and report. The permit is suspended until the change is assessed.
Wrong: While you are there, fix the next pump as well.
Right: Do only the work on the permit. Report extra work for assessment; it may require a new permit.
Wrong: Take your tag off when your part of the job is done.
Right: Report completion. Remove your own lock only as the ship's procedure directs; never remove anyone else's.
5Practice case & exam keys
You hold a permit to chip and paint a vent on the forecastle (forward deck). The wind rises and spray starts coming over the bow. Your partner says the permit is valid until 1700, so you should carry on.
Show the answer
Stop work, make the area safe and tell the authorised officer. Heavy spray on the forecastle was not part of the risk assessment, so the permit should be suspended while the change is assessed. Work restarts only when the officer says so, perhaps with extra controls or a new permit.
Exam keys
- PTW: an SMS form confirming controls; based on a risk assessment; toolbox talk before starting.
- Authorised officer issues and closes; competent person countersigns; not the same person.
- Validity: 24 h at most (COSWP); enclosed-space entry 8 h at most (MSC.581(110)).
- Isolation with LOTO; coordinate related permits and shared isolations; do only the permitted work.
Finish this unit
When you've read it, match the terms, then answer three questions. Get them all right to finish the unit; opening the page alone doesn't count.
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