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This is a Property Services internal document and is only applicable to the internal operations of the RMIT Property Services. PROPERTY SERVICES OPERATING PROCEDURE PERMIT TO WORK PROPERTY SERVICES
Property Services
Status: FINAL Version: 7.1
Date: 24/05/2017 DocRef: PS/OP/RC/2011
Document: Permit to Work Originator: Senior Advisor, Health, Safety and Security
Reviewer/Approver: AD Reporting & Compliance Page 1 of 14
INTENT The Permit to Work (PTW) procedure is a formal written system used to control certain types of potential hazards in high risk work. It is also a means of establishing a consistent and systematic approach of effective communication and understanding between Property Services personnel specifying the work to be done and the personnel or contractors who are going to do the work. The issuing of a permit does not in itself make a job safe. It is primarily used to record and communicate agreed conditions and risk mitigation controls to be applied to work activity where hazards have been identified. OBJECTIVES The Permit to Work procedure is a formal, recorded process used to control the work of contractors and RMIT Property Services staff where works are identified as high risk and requiring risk mitigation controls to be in place before and during the work. It is also a procedure for communication between RMIT Property Services and contractor managers, supervisors and trades personnel who will be involved in the hazardous work. The key functions of the PTW Procedure are to ensure that:
types of work that need a permit are identified
applicable levels of planning, consultation and coordination are done
applicable risk assessments are done for the work needed
roles and responsibilities are clearly identified
adequate control measures are defined, implemented and controlled
work area preparations are completed prior to works commencing and after completion worksites are returned to safe conditions
There are activities that RMIT Property Services has deemed as high risk, and these require a permit to be applied for, approved and issued prior to commencing work. There are also high risk buildings that require a permit to work prior to any work is undertaken in the building. The following types of works require a Permit, but are not limited to:
Permit Type Area Title of Endorsing Person
Impairment/ Isolation of Essential Services
All Areas Facility and Asset Management (FAM) Snr Managers
Impairment/ Isolation of Fire Services
All Areas Facility and Asset Management (FAM) Snr Managers
Hot Works. All Areas Capital Works Program Managers and Campus FM’s
HAZMAT All RMIT Buildings Snr HAZMAT Advisor and Campus FM’s
Working at Heights All Buildings and Grounds
Capital Works Program Managers and Campus FM’s
Excavation All Areas Capital Works Program Managers and Campus FM’s
Arbour Works All areas Campus FM’s and Facility and Asset Management (FAM) Snr Managers
High Voltage Permit All Areas Facility and Asset Management (FAM) Snr Managers
Roof Access All Buildings Campus FM’s and Facility and Asset Management (FAM) Snr Managers
Confined Space Entry All Areas Capital Works Program Managers and Campus FM’s
This is a Property Services internal document and is only applicable to the internal operations of the RMIT Property Services. PROPERTY SERVICES OPERATING PROCEDURE PERMIT TO WORK PROPERTY SERVICES
Property Services
Status: FINAL Version: 7.1
Date: 24/05/2017 DocRef: PS/OP/RC/2011
Document: Permit to Work Originator: Senior Advisor, Health, Safety and Security
Reviewer/Approver: AD Reporting & Compliance Page 2 of 14
Radio Frequency (RF) Equipment Works
All Areas Capital Works Program Managers and Campus FM’s
Table 1: Description of RMIT PS permits and permits endorses
SCOPE This Property Services procedure is applicable to all Property Services Staff and contractors intending to carry out works on RMIT premises and each departmental manager responsible for initiating or facilitating these works. Where a contractor is appointed as a principal contractor, the contractor is expected to use, issue and coordinate their own high risk permits within their enclosure. The principal contractor must have a permit to work system in place that meets the RMIT Property Services requirements. In addition to running their own permit system, principal contractors will be required to apply for RMIT fire isolations and cross boundary activities that may require service isolations. Where a principal contractor or lead contractor does not have a permit system in place that is accepted by RMIT, they must use RMIT Property Services permit system. EXCLUSIONS This procedure does not apply to RMIT Students, Visitors and Staff members that are not engaged by Property Services. Where RMIT PS engages a contractor as principal contractor under the OHS Act 2004 (as amended), principle contractor will be expected to run an equivalent permit to work system for works under their control. These exclusions DO NOT apply to Fire Isolations, Service Isolations and High Voltage Isolations these three are mandatory and must be applied for through RMIT Property Services.
Mandatory RMIT Permits to be Completed
Principal Contractor Non Principal Contractor
Impairment/ Isolation of Essential Services –e.g. electrical mechanical etc.
Impairment/ Isolation of Essential Services
Impairment/ Isolation of Essential Fire Services Impairment/ Isolation of Essential Fire Services
High Voltage Permit High Voltage Permit
Hazmat Permit Roof Access
Arbour Permit Working at Heights
Roof Access Hot Works.
Confined Space Entry
Radio Frequency (RF) Equipment Works
Excavation
PC to demonstrate at the planning phase of the project on how they will manage these hazards.
This is a Property Services internal document and is only applicable to the internal operations of the RMIT Property Services. PROPERTY SERVICES OPERATING PROCEDURE PERMIT TO WORK PROPERTY SERVICES
Property Services
Status: FINAL Version: 7.1
Date: 24/05/2017 DocRef: PS/OP/RC/2011
Document: Permit to Work Originator: Senior Advisor, Health, Safety and Security
Reviewer/Approver: AD Reporting & Compliance Page 3 of 14
Arbour Works
HAZMAT (please refer to Hazmat section of this procedure).
STAKEHOLDERS AND RESPONSIBILITIES Due to the potential hazards associated with tasks covered under the Permit to Work system, the specific responsibilities outlined below must be followed.
Stakeholder Internal/ External
Involvement Timeline
Permit Endorser (RMIT Authorised person)
Associate Director, Reporting and Compliance
Internal Property Services shall identify and authorise a listing of Permit Endorses for the purposes of this procedure.
Review Annually
RMIT Authorised Permit Endorses
Internal The responsibilities of the Property Services Permit Endorser include but are not limited to the following:
Endorse approval for work to be undertaken once satisfied that the Permit requester can complete the task safely.
Close out the permit.
Maintain records of work permits including associated documentation such as risk assessments.
RMIT Field/ Project Officers
Internal
The responsibilities of the Property Services Project/ Facilities Officer include but are not limited to the following:
Facilitate the communications with building occupants regarding any works to be carried out. Arranging Works Notices and neighbours meetings as required.
Ensure that the contractor/person carrying out work is aware of the permit to work system and directed to the appropriate permit.
Coordination and management of the works being undertaken.
Monitor the work undertaken by the permit requester, ensure duration times are adhered to, risk assessments completed, and controls in place.
Verify that the work site has been left in a safe condition before closing out the permit and returning to operation.
RMIT Facilities Coordinators (FM’s)
Internal
The Facilities coordinators are responsible for coordinating activities that take place in the campus that they are responsible for: Coordinate and ensure that they are no conflicting
activities and no disturbances to the operations of the campus.
Coordinate where isolations are being planned to minimise disruptions.
Authorise that the work can take place on their campus during the requested period.
This is a Property Services internal document and is only applicable to the internal operations of the RMIT Property Services. PROPERTY SERVICES OPERATING PROCEDURE PERMIT TO WORK PROPERTY SERVICES
Property Services
Status: FINAL Version: 7.1
Date: 24/05/2017 DocRef: PS/OP/RC/2011
Document: Permit to Work Originator: Senior Advisor, Health, Safety and Security
Reviewer/Approver: AD Reporting & Compliance Page 4 of 14
Permit Requester (The representative of the Contractor or Person(s) carrying out the work who requests the permit)
Permit Requester External
The responsibilities of the permit requester are to:
Complete the initial permit request form.
Ensure the task details are accurate and true as reflected in the permit form.
Provide the permit endorser with copies of any associated documentation including risk assessments.
Ensure permit holder is aware of the controls required to be in place and any other precautions that are to be taken; equipment to be used and any procedures to be followed.
Ensure safe systems of work are implemented.
Report all incidents and hazards to the permit endorser immediately.
Prior to works
Permit Holder (Supervisor responsible for the works on the day)
Permit Requester or Permit Holder
External
Ensure that those persons undertaking the task have the relevant knowledge and competency to complete the task safely.
Ensure that they have a signed approved permit with them at the location of the job.
Ensure that all team members working under the permit have read; understood and signed on the permit.
Undertake the task that has been approved by the permit safely in accordance with the permit specifications.
Make sure that they and the people that work with them understand the work and apply the controls covered in the SWMS and other supporting documents including rescue plans.
Permit holder is responsible for any procedural reaches or works conducted outside of the scope.
Examine the worksite prior to commencement and review changes and conditions and apply appropriate controls if required.
Seek immediate advice if circumstances or conditions change while undertaking work.
Implement safe systems of work.
Report all incidents and hazards to the permit endorser immediately.
Communicate to the endorser and RMIT representative when works are complete or suspended.
During Works
Work Party Member
Work Party Members
External
Review the PTW and supporting documents prior to commencing work so that they are familiar with the work hazards and relevant controls.
Only undertake tasks that they have the relevant knowledge and competency for.
Undertake the task that has been approved by the Permit Endorser, safely within the permit scope and in
During Works
This is a Property Services internal document and is only applicable to the internal operations of the RMIT Property Services. PROPERTY SERVICES OPERATING PROCEDURE PERMIT TO WORK PROPERTY SERVICES
Property Services
Status: FINAL Version: 7.1
Date: 24/05/2017 DocRef: PS/OP/RC/2011
Document: Permit to Work Originator: Senior Advisor, Health, Safety and Security
Reviewer/Approver: AD Reporting & Compliance Page 5 of 14
accordance requirements set out in the permit.
Work party members must not work outside of the scope of the permit.
Not start work until the relevant control measures outlined in the PTW and risk assessment are in place.
Stop work and consult with Supervision when circumstance or conditions change resulting in a foreseen uncontrolled Hazard.
Sign on and off the permit where applicable.
Security Services
Security Manager Internal
Security Services are responsible for:
Sighting relevant approvals before contractors are given access to RMIT campuses.
Facilitating access to specific areas not already provided on Contractor’s key sets.
When required
PROCEDURE STEPS AND ACTIONS The following are the steps in the use of the Permit to Work system.
1 Permit application process Responsibility Timeline
Permit requester is to complete the relevant permits that are required, and submit it to the permit endorser for authorisation. All relevant sections of the permit must be completed. Filled out permit applications are to be emailed to the RMIT representative and to [email protected].
Job/ Task specific SWMS to be included in the permit application. Ensure that all other relevant documentation is available – e.g. high risk licences, traffic management plans, rescue plans, emergency evacuation plans etc.
Work extending over multiple permits requires communication and handover of the relevant information pertaining to the job.
Permit Requestor
As per specific permit requirements
2 Authorisation Process
The endorser will review and discuss the scope of work with the requestor to determine the level of control required. The permit endorser needs to be satisfied that the permit requester is capable of undertaking the work in accordance with the permit requirements and that all relevant sections of the permit have been completed before approving the work. Permit endorser to send the permit to the facility management coordinator (FM) for that campus. The campus FM to ensure appropriate coordination between new permits and existing open permits and RMIT University operational activities. Where there is no risk of disturbance with other existing works or student activities, the FM will sign on the permit to endorse that the works can commence on their campus or suggest a date that is more suitable.
The signed copy to be emailed back to the permit endorser to disseminate. The approved permit details to be entered into a permit register.
Dependant of the activity outlined in the scope, works could
Permit Endorser Prior to works commencing
This is a Property Services internal document and is only applicable to the internal operations of the RMIT Property Services. PROPERTY SERVICES OPERATING PROCEDURE PERMIT TO WORK PROPERTY SERVICES
Property Services
Status: FINAL Version: 7.1
Date: 24/05/2017 DocRef: PS/OP/RC/2011
Document: Permit to Work Originator: Senior Advisor, Health, Safety and Security
Reviewer/Approver: AD Reporting & Compliance Page 6 of 14
trigger another associated High Risk Permit.
For works to commence the permit requester, permit endorser and senior facility coordinator will need to sign the permit.
For routine low to medium risk activity where permits are not required, these tasks will still be subject to the requirements for relevant SWMS, Building Hazmat Check, Induction, Competency, Licences and Insurances.
Declined permits will be discussed directly with the requester to ensure issues are resolved in a timely manner.
Once authorised a signed copy must be scanned and emailed to the permit requester and saved under I:\01 General\OH&S\01 Contractor Safety Management\02 Permits To Work & Job Safety Analyses\01.01.2017 for record keeping.
3 Undertaking Work Responsibility Timeline Timeline Timeline
3.1 Safety issues
Site works introduce potential hazards into the workplace such as sources of ignition, trips and falls, uncontrolled energy sources, impaired life safety systems, unfamiliar changes to the environment, unsafe work practices, etc. All of these hazards need to be controlled appropriately.
A Risk Assessment (JSA or SWMS) must be done to identify these hazards, which may trigger the need for high risk permit. The risk assessment must be kept on file with the department ordering the works and be readily available on site as a reference for any person carrying out the works.
Permit Requester
Prior to works
3.2 Preparing for work
The permit requester shall ensure all requirements of the JSA or SWMS and any other item identified in the Permit are met (isolation, barriers, fire extinguishers, etc.) The requester must handover the permit to the holder ensuring that the holder is fully briefed on the task hazards, the controls and the requirements of the permit. Once satisfied that they fully understand the above then the holder also signs onto the permit. Permit holder will take responsibility for the implementation of the permit and its controls for the duration of the works.
Where energy sources are required to be isolated, the permit holder carrying out the works shall put in place a means of isolation as per the isolation procedure and permit. RMIT uses works notices to communicate up and coming works.
Where works may disrupt or disturb other university users as a minimum a works notice must be issued in accordance to the works notice process.
Permit Requester/ Permit Holder
Prior to works
3.3 Application and Approval of Permits
The permit requestor is to submit the completed permit request form with all the required supporting documents within the application timeframe specified in permit. This is to give the permit endorser time to review the permit, check if there are any conflicting activities within the area and communicate with stakeholders where required.
This is a Property Services internal document and is only applicable to the internal operations of the RMIT Property Services. PROPERTY SERVICES OPERATING PROCEDURE PERMIT TO WORK PROPERTY SERVICES
Property Services
Status: FINAL Version: 7.1
Date: 24/05/2017 DocRef: PS/OP/RC/2011
Document: Permit to Work Originator: Senior Advisor, Health, Safety and Security
Reviewer/Approver: AD Reporting & Compliance Page 7 of 14
The permit endorser shall give feedback to the permit requestor within 48 hours of receiving the request, and where the permit is approved, a signed approved permit will be sent to the requestor.
3.4 Duration of Work
The duration of the work is determined on a case by case basis and the agreed duration is to be noted on the form and authorised by the permit endorser. The following outlines the maximum duration a permit can be approved for under the RMIT PTW Process:
Service Isolations, Essential Services/ Fire Isolations/ High Voltage - 7 days
Hot Works - 7 Days
Radio Frequency changes - 7 Days
Confined Space - Up to 7 Days (Daily onsite Revalidation required)
Roof Access - 3 Months
Arbour Works - 1 Month
Hazardous Materials - Determined by Authorised Endorser
Refer to individual permit process for further details.
Permit Endorser During works
3.5 During works Responsibility Timeline
Contractor/Person carrying out the works shall not start works outside the scope of the permit, away from locations specifically listed or in a manner differing from that stipulated Permit. If the scope of works or conditions changes to those specified, the permit will immediately be deemed invalid until amended and re-approved by the Permit Endorser.
Where multiple permits are issued for one location, campus Field Manager (FM) will endeavour to coordinate the works to prevent conflicting tasks. Where conflicts do arise the FM and permit endorser will decide which task has priority.
Contractor/Person carrying out the works shall advise the permit endorser immediately if completions of works are expected to be delayed.
Copies of the approved permit(s) are to be held on the site of the works and made available for inspection upon request whilst work is being undertaken.
If during the execution of the works OHS issues/ breaches are observed – the permit holder must stop work until the problem is rectified, or discontinues with the contract if the problem cannot be resolved prior to resuming work. There are no exceptions where safety is concerned and any misconduct will not be tolerated by RMIT University.
Permit Holder and Work Party Member
During works
3.6 At the conclusion of work
Contractor/person carrying out the works shall ensure all works are completed; all plant, equipment or facilities are tested and ready to be returned to service.
Contractors/ person carrying out the work shall remove all personal isolation and reinstate any isolated energy sources.
Permit Holder Completion of works
This is a Property Services internal document and is only applicable to the internal operations of the RMIT Property Services. PROPERTY SERVICES OPERATING PROCEDURE PERMIT TO WORK PROPERTY SERVICES
Property Services
Status: FINAL Version: 7.1
Date: 24/05/2017 DocRef: PS/OP/RC/2011
Document: Permit to Work Originator: Senior Advisor, Health, Safety and Security
Reviewer/Approver: AD Reporting & Compliance Page 8 of 14
Contractor/person carrying out the works shall ensure all essential services impairments are reinstated.
Contractor/person carrying out the works shall sign off the permit to signify completion of works per the specification for work, and the safe reinstatement of all systems.
The RMIT Project Officer/ FM shall endorse the close out of the permit to signify satisfactory delivery of services. If any issues resulted during the completion of the works, this should be recorded against the form.
Once the permit is closed out, it needs to be sent to the permit endorser for record keeping.
RMIT Lead Completion of works
Permit To Work Process Flow Chart
Contractor Requests PermitRMIT Snr Project
Officer
RMIT Stakeholders and
MCRs
Email Request to Permit endorser
Works approved and can
commence
Completion of works, close out permit
Are all documents and assessments done to
satisfactory
Send Contractor endorsed permit
RMIT Project Officer or FM to inspect the area to ensure that it is
safe and fit for use
RMIT Campus Facility
Coordinators FM’s
Update permit register with
approved permit number.
Fig 2 – Permit to Work process flow chart
This is a Property Services internal document and is only applicable to the internal operations of the RMIT Property Services. PROPERTY SERVICES OPERATING PROCEDURE PERMIT TO WORK PROPERTY SERVICES
Property Services
Status: FINAL Version: 7.1
Date: 24/05/2017 DocRef: PS/OP/RC/2011
Document: Permit to Work Originator: Senior Advisor, Health, Safety and Security
Reviewer/Approver: AD Reporting & Compliance Page 9 of 14
4 Permit to Work Activities
4.1 Hot Work
The PS/FORM/F/4032 Hot Work Permit form must be filled in for all hot works. Common hot work processes are welding, soldering, cutting and brazing. When flammable materials are present processes such as grinding and drilling become hot work processes. Hot work may only occur in the designated location as written on the permit. There may be the requirement for of other isolations to be implemented in conjunction with the hot work, for example fire detections systems. Please see fire isolations for further detail.
4.2 Roof Access
The PS/FORM/F/4033 Rooftop Access Permit form must be completed for any work that requires access to the roof or ceiling area of a building structure and which may place people at risk through falling, slipping, contact with falling objects or contact with existing services.
4.3 Confined Spaces
Any work that requires entry into a confined space requires the issue of the PS/FORM/F/4031 Confined Space Entry Permit form and Safe Work Method Statement or Risk Assessment. Permits Issued for longer than 1 day will require an onsite daily revalidation by an Endorser and Permit Holder prior to works commencing on that day. Revalidation includes confirmation of atmospheric monitoring readings. Atmospheric monitoring shall be in place whilst entry is in progress and readings shall be recorded hourly.
4.4 Radio Frequency (RF) and Rooftop Modifications
This form will apply to proposals for site and installation of all Radio Frequency equipment on or within buildings owned or controlled by RMIT University (Including rooftop modifications
4.5 Hazardous Materials Permit to Work (HAZMAT)
RMIT Property services may require a hazmat permit to be completed for all works within certain higher risk buildings, a register will be kept on property central and will be maintained by the Senior Hazmat advisor. For all buildings where hazmat will be disturbed, as part of the scope of works, then all sections of the hazmat permit must be filled out. The PS/FORM/F/4036 Hazardous Materials Permit to Work form is required to ensure that future and current works carried out on all RMIT buildings are conducted in a controlled manner, to prevent accidental damage and exposure of workers and building occupants to hazardous materials including Asbestos containing materials.
4.6 Arbour Works
All work where there is a potential to disturb or damage any tagged trees or the roots within the RMIT campus require an arbour work permit. A PS-FORM-F-4050 Arbor Works permit form must be completed, approved and signed by the permit requestor, campus FM and permit endorser.
4.7 Excavation
Any breaking of ground requires an excavation permit. This includes earthwork, trenching, wall shafts and tunnelling. Ensure that underground services are detected and highlighted before any breaking of ground. A PS/FORM/RC/2030- Excavation Permit form must be completed, approved and signed by the permit requestor, campus FM and permit endorser before commencement of works.
This is a Property Services internal document and is only applicable to the internal operations of the RMIT Property Services. PROPERTY SERVICES OPERATING PROCEDURE PERMIT TO WORK PROPERTY SERVICES
Property Services
Status: FINAL Version: 7.1
Date: 24/05/2017 DocRef: PS/OP/RC/2011
Document: Permit to Work Originator: Senior Advisor, Health, Safety and Security
Reviewer/Approver: AD Reporting & Compliance Page 10 of 14
4.8 Working at Heights
All work where there is a potential to fall from one level to the next must be risk assessed and relevant controls implemented. Where there is a risk of a person’s involuntary fall of more than 2 metres a PS/FORM/F/4035 Work at Heights Permit form must be completed, approved and signed by the Permit Requestor/Contractor, Campus FM and Permit Endorser.
4.9 Service Isolation
Any energised equipment to be worked on must be isolated to ensure the energy is removed or controlled to prevent incidents. Short duration electrical or mechanical isolations of low risk, for example replacing light bulbs or key switch isolation (This does not include Essential Service or Fire Isolations) may be done under personal Lock out Tag out process as outlined in the PS-OP-F-4078 Service Isolations Procedure. Permit applications and processing will follow the Service Isolations flowchart. Isolation points are to be controlled by the contractor during the activity to prevent third party activation. All other service isolation work requires the issue of the PS/FORM/F/4024 RMIT Service Isolation Request Permit form. Work must be completed in accordance with the provision of the isolation permit.
4.10 High Voltage Isolation
A permit must be issued for any work involving the interruption of the universities high voltage system. RMIT has engaged a high voltage specialist contractor to manage all high voltage plant within RMIT. All high voltage permits will be approved by this contractor.
4.11 Essential Services/Fire Isolation
A permit must be issued for any work involving the interruption to the university’s fire protection system. Once the permit is issued by the mandatory Permit Endorsers, it is to be conducted in accordance with the PS/FORM/F/4034 Fire Isolation Request form.
5 Records
All records applicable to this procedure shall be retained in accordance with PS/QP/0007 – Records Control.
KEY CONSIDERATIONS/IMPACTS Inputs Streamlined process flow to reduce the number of signatories’ required and
consistent methodology to be applied to all permits.
Outputs Permit controls applied to high risk contractor works.
Risk This forms as part of the risk mitigation for Property Services; with the application of this process reducing PSG’s exposure to risk associated with high risk works.
Compliance Demonstrates RMIT compliance with its duties under the Occupational Health and Safety Act (2004) as amended and the OHS Regulations 2007.
Health & Safety Demonstrates RMIT compliance with its duties under the Occupational Health and Safety Act (2004) as amended and the OHS Regulations 2007.
Sustainability Not Applicable Financial No new financial impacts.
This is a Property Services internal document and is only applicable to the internal operations of the RMIT Property Services. PROPERTY SERVICES OPERATING PROCEDURE PERMIT TO WORK PROPERTY SERVICES
Property Services
Status: FINAL Version: 7.1
Date: 24/05/2017 DocRef: PS/OP/RC/2011
Document: Permit to Work Originator: Senior Advisor, Health, Safety and Security
Reviewer/Approver: AD Reporting & Compliance Page 11 of 14
SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS AND INFORMATION OHS Act 2004 OHS Regulations 2007 Records Control Confined Space Procedure Confined Space Entry Permit form Service Isolation Procedure Service Isolation Flowchart RMIT Service Isolation Request Permit form Hot Work Permit Procedure Hot Work Permit form Roof Top Access Procedure Rooftop Access Permit form Fire Isolation Procedure Fire Isolation Request form Work at Heights Permit form Radio Frequency (RF) Management Procedure RF and Rooftop Modifications Permit form Arbor Works (Tree Management) Procedure Arbor Works Permit Form Excavation Permit Form Hazardous Materials Permit to Work form PROCEDURE EFFECTIVENESS AND REVIEW PERIOD This procedure will be reviewed and updated quarterly to ensure ongoing effectiveness. The performance indicators that will be used to measure effectiveness will be: Completion of associated Permit to work forms and supporting documentation as per the requirements of this procedure. Issue Date: April 2015 Revised Date: May 2017 Review Date: May 2019
This is a Property Services internal document and is only applicable to the internal operations of the RMIT Property Services. PROPERTY SERVICES OPERATING PROCEDURE PERMIT TO WORK PROPERTY SERVICES
Property Services
Status: FINAL Version: 7.1
Date: 24/05/2017 DocRef: PS/OP/RC/2011
Document: Permit to Work Originator: Senior Advisor, Health, Safety and Security
Reviewer/Approver: AD Reporting & Compliance Page 12 of 14
ACCOUNTABILITIES
Sponsor: Executive Director Property Services.
Implementation: Associate Director, Reporting and Compliance
Compliance: Associate Director, Reporting and Compliance
Development/Review: Property Services Health, Safety & Security
Process Owner/Originator
Senior Advisor, Health, Safety & Security
Approval & Review Authority:
Associate Director, Reporting and Compliance
Interpretation and advice:
RMIT Health Safety Security and Environmental Advisors
Data collection and analysis:
Senior Coordinator, Quality Management Systems
Reporting Associate Director, Reporting and Compliance
DEFINITIONS AND ACRONYMS/KEYWORDS
Definitions and acronyms:
Contractor/Person carrying out works – Person or persons engaged by Property Services to carry out works on their behalf.
Confined space - A confined space is any vat, pit, duct, flue, oven, chimney, silo, reaction vessel, container, receptacle, underground sewer, shaft, well trench, tunnel, or other similar enclosed or partially enclosed structure, if the space:
(a) is, or is intended to be, or is likely to be entered by any person and
(b) has a limited restricted means for entry or exit that makes it physically difficult for a person to enter or exit the space, and
(c) is or is intended to be at normal atmospheric pressure while any person is in the space and
(d) contains, or is intended to contain, or is likely to contain
i) an atmosphere that has a harmful level of any contaminant, or
ii) an atmosphere that does not have a safe oxygen level,
iii) any stored substance, except liquids that could cause engulfment.
Site representative is the responsible for permits to work.
Departmental Manager or Site Representative – Property Services department head who is deemed responsible for all works on site by that contractor under the terms of a particular Permit to Work. The departmental manager will delegate the site representative who acts under managers’ approval.
This is a Property Services internal document and is only applicable to the internal operations of the RMIT Property Services. PROPERTY SERVICES OPERATING PROCEDURE PERMIT TO WORK PROPERTY SERVICES
Property Services
Status: FINAL Version: 7.1
Date: 24/05/2017 DocRef: PS/OP/RC/2011
Document: Permit to Work Originator: Senior Advisor, Health, Safety and Security
Reviewer/Approver: AD Reporting & Compliance Page 13 of 14
Excavation - Any work that involves the digging of holes, pits or trenches in the ground and which may place people at risk through collapse, falling or contact with existing services.
Essential Services – are the fire and life safety items installed or constructed in a building to ensure adequate levels of fire safety over the life of the building. Essential Services include all traditional building fire services such as sprinklers and mechanical services, but also include passive fire safety such as fire doors, fire rated structure and other building infrastructure items such as paths of travel to exits.
High risk work - work identified as requiring an RMIT High Risk Permit. This may also include: work on other installations with energy sources, work requiring specific licenses, hazardous materials removal; construction work (including refurbishment and demolition projects).
Hot Work – Work involving electric or gas welding, thermal or oxygen cutting, heating, grinding, cutting or other fire producing or spark producing operations. Site representative is the responsible for permits to work.
Isolation – Is the requirement for the isolation and lockout of items of plant and equipment prior to any work being carried out on the equipment so that any potential hazards are eliminated or controlled? It includes the means of effective isolation, padlocking, tagging, testing and re-instatement of energy sources.
Activities to which this applies:
Maintenance or repairs to plant and equipment.
Cleaning and inspection of equipment.
Alterations such as removal of equipment, breading into pipes or lines.
Machine set-up, tools changing and troubleshooting. Site representative is the responsible for permits to work.
Low risk work - service provider attending RMIT University workplaces and performing low risk work. This may include: inspection service; delivery of materials; cleaning; repairs or service to low risk item of equipment.
Permit / Work Permits - Document authorising a person to undertake specific work in a designated area. - A work permit authorises persons to undertake specific work in a designated area. The permits are designed to define the safety precautions to be taken depending on the nature of the work being performed and the hazards involved. Methods to be used and precautions to be taken.
Permit Endorser – A person who is authorised to approve a permit so that work can be undertaken by the permit requestor.
Permit Holder – Person in charge of overseeing the work activity at the location for the duration of the works. Permit requesters are automatically permit holders if there is no handover to a separate supervisor for the task.
Permit Requester – A person who requests for approval for work to be undertaken through the completion of the associated permit form.
Siteworks – Services provided on site by a Contractor which involve or will result in permanent modification to any fixed feature of the building, its safety systems (Essential Services), its utilities and services, its fabric or structure,
This is a Property Services internal document and is only applicable to the internal operations of the RMIT Property Services. PROPERTY SERVICES OPERATING PROCEDURE PERMIT TO WORK PROPERTY SERVICES
Property Services
Status: FINAL Version: 7.1
Date: 24/05/2017 DocRef: PS/OP/RC/2011
Document: Permit to Work Originator: Senior Advisor, Health, Safety and Security
Reviewer/Approver: AD Reporting & Compliance Page 14 of 14
its grounds or trafficable areas (internal or external). Authorisation for site works must be obtained from Property Services prior to the arrangement or commencement of these works. Generally, Property Services are responsible for the execution of all site works.
Work Party Member – Competent person carrying out the works under the supervision of the permit holder.
Working with Heights - Any work where there is a potential to fall from one level to the next or which requires access to the roof or ceiling area of a building structure and which may place people at risk through falling, slipping, contact with falling objects or contact with existing services. Site representative is the responsible for permits to work.
Key Words For Search Engine
Permit to work, isolation, contractors, essential services, confined space, excavation, working at heights, hot work, safe work method statements (SWMS), job safety analysis (JSA).
AMENDMENT RECORD
Issue No Issue Date Nature of Amendment
V.7.0 03/03/2017 Streamlined process with clear delineation of responsibility and duties in relation to the application of permit to work.
V.7.1 24/05/2017 Responsibility: Approver to Endorser.