Job task permits

Some tasks on a work site are identified as being hazardous enough to require special permits that ensure all safety precautions have been take. Examples of these tasks include hot work, confined space work, and lockout procedures.

Hot work permits

Special considerations must be made when doing hot work. Hot work is simply any process or temporary work done that could result in a fire. Jobs that require cutting, grinding, drilling, or welding of metals are all examples of hot work. Before starting any hot work it is best to determine whether the job can be done in a different way so as to avoid the risk of fire altogether. If there is no alternative to doing the hot work, then you will need to obtain a hot work permit from the job site’s health and safety officer or foreman. Complete the permit, follow the precautions on the permit, and post the permit in the work area.

Confined space permit

A confined space entry permit is required and is used to make everyone aware of work that will take place in a confined space. A written procedure must be carried out to assess the risk for working in a confined space by identifying the hazards present and to determine what precautions must be taken. The assessment must include information on:

• the task
• working environment
• working materials
• tools required
• the qualifications of the person doing the work
• the emergency rescue plan

The permit must bear the supervisor’s name and must be posted at the entrance to the confined space. Other information required on the permit includes:

• the type of work activity
• names of the workers who are in the confined space
• what control measures or precautions were in place prior to entry and while workers were inside
• when the permit expires

Lockout

The workplace safety program must ensure that lockout procedures are established and there is compliance. Learning Task 7 covers lockout procedures in detail.