WORK

PERMIT
SYSTEM


ROAD MAP
The session will include the following:
Presentation on OIL Work Permit
system followed by discussion
Role of Issuing & Executing Authority
Exercise how to fill the permit
Questionnaire/QUIZ

WHY WORK PERMIT?
Petroleum Installations handle Hydrocarbons
and toxic materials - poses special risks.
Maintenance Personnel are not adequately
familiar with process conditions.
Operation will determine that it is safe to
perform the designated job.
Basic purpose of permit system is to prevent
injuries to personnel.
The basic purpose of the work permit system is to ensure that
work is carried out in the safest possible manner to prevent
injuries to personnel, protect property from damage, avoid fire
and other hazards etc.
WHY WORK PERMIT
Following Oil Industry Safety Directorates Standards are in Indian Petroleum
Rules :2002
OISD -105 (Work permit system)
OISD-116 (Fire Protection facilities for Petroleum Refineries and Oil/Gas
Processing Plants)
OISD- 117(Fire Protection Facilities for Petroleum Depots and Terminals and
pipeline installations)
OISD-118 (Layouts for Oil and Gas Installations)
OISD-141 (Design and Construction requirements for cross country
hydrocarbon pipelines)
OISD 156 (Fire Protection Facilities for Ports Handling Hydrocarbons )

OISD Standard means technical standards formulated by OISD and approved
by Safety Council constituted under the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas to
ensure safety in Oil and Gas Industry (as amended from time to time).

WHY WORK PERMIT
Protect property from damage
Avoid fire
Ensure that all work is carried out in
safest possible manner.
permit specifies the conditions and
procedure for safe execution.
WORK PERMIT REQUIRMENT
Permit is required for the following jobs :
Major & Minor Maint. work.
Inspection.
Construction.
Process Equip. cleaning
Entry into confined space.
Excavation
Vehicle entry into hazardous areas etc.
WORK PERMIT NOT
REQUIRED
Works carried out by Oprs. Dept. as a
part of routine operation.

TYPES OF PERMITS
Types of work permit generally used (not specific to
OIL):

HOT WORK , VESSEL ENTRY/ VESSEL BOX
UP/ EXCAVATION/ VEHICLE ENTRY PERMIT : For
use of or generates local source of ignition, vehicle &
engine operated equip. entry to hazardous areas.
COLD WORK PERMIT : For all general Maint.
works (no ignition source)
EXCAVATION CLEARANCE
ROAD CUTTING & BLOCKAGE PERMIT
PERMIT FOR WORKING AT HEIGHT
RADIATION WORK PERMIT
FEATURES OF
WORK PERMIT FORM
Work Permit form generally consists of the
following features:
THE ORIGINIAL AND COPIES
Original is unmarked and belongs to
Executing Authority
Printed serial number
FORM NO. ..
Special instructions printed on the permit


ISSUING AUTHORITY OF
WORK PERMIT
Issuing authority is responsible for
preparation and handing over of
the equipment in safe condition to
perform the work.
Authority to issue all types of work
permits is generally granted to
Installation Managers & in special
cases to authorized Competent
Persons.
EXECUTING AUTHORITY
OF WORK PERMIT
Request for a work permit by executing
authority. He shall indicate types of
tools and equipment necessary for
performing the work.
He shall also ensure his tools,
equipment and accessories are in good
condition and all his workers are
provided with proper PPE.
Item Done Not
Reqd.
Item Done Not
Reqd.
1 Equipment/work area inspected 7 Equipment Properly steamed/
purged
2 Surrounding area checked,
Cleaned and covered
8 Equipment water flushed
3 Electrical/substation switches
Locked out and tagged
9 Iron Sulphide removed/kept wet
4 Running water hoses/portable
Extinguisher provided
10 Proper ventilation and lighting
Provided
5 Equipment blinded / disconnected/
closed/isolated wedged open/tagged
11 Gas test done, found gas free
6 Equipment properly drained /
depressurized
12 Area roped off/Cordoned off

ORIGINAL
Oil India Limited Sr. No.: ____________
(A GOVERNMENT OF INDIA ENTERPRISE)
COLD WORK PERMIT
Valid________________AM______________________________To________________AM____________
PM DATE PM DATE
Permission is granted to : Section/Contractor :________________________Name :_______
Nature of work:_________________________________________________________________________________
Location of work:_______________________________________________________________

SPECIAL INSTRUCTION:
1. Following personal protective equipment are required: (Initial all items required)
Safety Hat / Gloves / Goggles / Safety Shoes / Boiler Suit / Welding Suit / Dust Respirator / Face Shield / Fresh
Air/Mask / Apron / Lifeline / Safety Belt.
2. In case of fire alarm, all work must be stopped. All personnel must leave work site and proceed to designated
areas
3. Remarks on toxic/ hazardous chemical, if any _____________________________________________________
4. Alternate means of escape available / provided / not required.
5. This permit must be available at work site at all times.
6. Additional items , if any __________________________________________________________
Name and Signature of Issuer Name and signature of Receiver
PREPARATION OF THE
EQUIPMENT
Equipment electrically isolated
Inspection tested (for cold & hot job)
Isolated from steam, air & gas
Depressurized
Drained
Positively isolated/blinded
Steamed & water flushed


PREPARATION OF EQUIP.
CONTD.
Ventilated & gas freed
Continuous inert gas flow / continuous
adequate ventilation arranged.
Vehicle/equipment in good condition
with spark arrested
Radiation source removed(Confined
space entry)

RESIDUAL HAZARDS
Lack of oxygen
H
2
S and/or any other toxic gases
Combustible gases
Corrosive chemicals
Steam / Condensate
Pyrophoric iron
High humidity

PROTECTION MEASURES
Protective clothing
Hearing protection
Safety Harness
Eye protection
Face protection
Respiratory protection
Keep fire equipment stand-by
PROTECTIVE MEASURES
CONTD.
Barricade the area
Remove flammable and combustible
Cover with fire retardant tarpaulin
Crane with basket stand-by
Attendance with Airline set
keep man ways open
Allow minimum possible no. of persons
inside confined space

PROTECTIVE MEASURES
CONTD.
To ensure positive isolation & maintain
it all through
Ensure adequate ventilation all through
Display copy of entry permit near entry
manhole
GAS TEST FOR WORK PERMIT
Why gas test is required ?
Most of the gases are unwanted
Hazards involved -
Flammability(Fire & Explosion)
Toxicity(health hazard)
Oxygen Deficiency
GAS TEST CONTD
Common flammable gases/liquids are -
All petroleum products, Crude and
intermediates
Hydrogen
LPG
Common toxic gases in refinery -
H2S, CO,NH3,CL2, etc.
GAS TEST CONTD.
COMMON TERMINOLOGIES :
For flammable substances:
Flash Point :
Minimum temp. at which a liquid gives off
sufficient vapor to form an ignitable mix. It
will give a flash, flame will not continue.
Auto Ignition Temp.:
The lowest temp. to which a substance will
ignite without a spark or flame.
GAS TEST CONTD.
Explosive limit :
The concentration range of vapor in air
when propagation of flame(ignition)
occurs in presence of an ignition
source.
LEL (Lower Explosive Limit) :
The minimum concentration of vapor to
air required to propagate(ignite) flame.
GAS TEST CONTD.
UEL(Upper Explosive Limit) :
The maximum vapor to air concentration
above which propagation of a flame will
not occur(will not ignite).
GAS TEST CONTD.
Toxic substances :
(Threshold Limit Value / PEL(Permissible TLV
Exposure Limit) :
The maximum permissible conc. of a toxic substance
to which exposure of a person will have no adverse
effect on health for working 8 hrs per day.
(Short Term Exposure Limit) : STEL
Maximum conc. to which worker can be exposed for a
period of 15 mins. without any adverse effect to
health.
GAS TEST CONTD.
IDLH(Immediate Danger to Life & Health)
A maximum conc. from which one can
escape within 30 mins. without
irreversible health effect.

HYDROGEN SULPHIDE (H2S)
Highly toxic, combustible, colorless.
Smells like rotten egg.

GAS TEST - H2S
EFFECTS ON HUMAN BODY
PHYSICAL EFFECT CONC.(PPM)
Can be smelled as rotten egg 0.13
TLV 10
STEL 15
Smelling sense will dry within 150 - 200
2 mins, burning sensation in
eye & throat
GAS TEST - H2S CONTD.
PHYSICAL EFFECT CONC(PPM)
IDLH(Loss of smelling sense, 300
heavy breathing, dizziness,
headache,and total collapse
within 1 to 4 Hrs)
Dizziness,headache,lungs 450
problem and total collapse within 30 to
60 mins.

GAS TEST-H2S CONTD.
PHYSICAL EFFECT CONC(PPM)
Slow down of heart beats, 700
heavy breathing with coughing,
then death, if not rescued
Fatal emergency over 700
Explosive limits : 4.6 to 46%, it gives blue
flame when ignited.
GAS TEST-H2S CONTD.
FIRST AID :
IF INHALED -
Remove exposed person to fresh air
and administer oxygen immediately.
PROTECTION:
Use fresh air mask in case conc.
exceeds 10 PPM

TOXIC GAS - CO
TOXIC AS WELL AS FLAMMABLE
TLV - 50 PPM
STEL - 400 PPM
IDLH - 1500 PPM
LEL - 12.5%
UEL - 74 %

GAS TEST - CO
HEALTH HAZARDS:
CO combines with hemoglobin of blood
and make it unable to carry oxygen.
Symptoms : Headache, dizziness to
unconscious and ultimately death.
First Aid :
Remove to fresh air and apply oxygen
at the earliest.

OTHER TOXIC GASES
TOXIC GAS TLV STEL IDLH

NH3 25 35 -
SO2 2 5 -
CL2 0.5 1 30
GAS TEST CONTD.
For hot work the gas test results shall be :
Combustible - Below 1 % LEL
( Preferably NIL)
For confined space entry :
Oxygen - 19.5% minimum
Combustible - 10 % LEL Max.
Toxic gases - below TLV


GAS TEST CONTD.
Confined space With BA protection :
Combustible - 20% of LEL maximum
H2S - Less than 100 PPM
CO - Less than 500 PPM
However, no hot job can be carried out
inside the confined space at this
condition.
WORKS NEED GAS TEST
Gas tests are required for all hot
work/vehicle entry and confined space
entry permits & some cold permits also.
Issuing authority shall determine the
requirement of gas test & frequency of re-
checking.
Trained Gas tester only shall carry out the
test.
RESPONSIBILIES OF GAS
TESTING AUTHORITY
To check & confirm that the gas testing
instrument is working in perfect condition
before proceeding for the area/equipment
To carry out gas test at all critical
locations/positions
To advise on safe method to work inside/at
the location i.e., further gas freeing , use of
PPE etc.
ELECTRICAL ISOLATION
Before issuing a Work Permit, it is
essential to ensure that the equipment /
facility to be worked on is electrically safe
and electrical power is isolated to the
extent necessary for the safe conduct of
the authorized work.
Issuing, Executing authorities and
Electrical Maintenance shall jointly decide
the extent of isolation required.

DO NOT OPERATE tag shall be used
when isolation by local switch is decided
as adequate protection.
Multi-lock systems to be used when
different crafts are involved.(this is
towards best safety practices)
SPECIAL REQUIREMENT FOR -
WORKING WITH RADIOGRAPHY

Risk assessment through checklist
Barricade the area and provide adequate
warning signs.
Film badges and Dosimeters shall be
worn by personnel handling radiography
equip.
job preferably during night time or with least or
no person around.
Continuous monitoring of cordoned off area
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS
FOR HOT WORK
The person who authorizes the Hot Work
Permit is responsible for ensuring that the
site and the equipment are properly
prepared to prevent the danger of fire &
explosion involving flammable material.
The equipment shall be emptied and
cleaned of flammable materials and
isolated from sources of hydrocarbons by
means of disconnection, blanking or
insertion of blinds.
Equipment and surrounding areas shall be
checked to ensure that they are free from
any combustible gas.Carry out gas test.
Any heavy oil deposit, dried vegetation or
other flammable / combustible materials
within 8 m of a hot work site shall be
cleared away.
No hot work shall be allowed within a
radius of 15 m of any sample point, drain
or relief valve outlet unless precautions
have been taken to prevent the escape of
flammable liquids and vapors.
The outlet of all units drain seals within 15
m of the hot work shall be plugged.
If welding or grinding is to be done at
height, then precautions shall be taken to
prevent the spread of sparks and molten
metal to the surrounding of the work area
with fire-resisting or flame-retarding
tarpaulin.
A hose capable of reaching up to the hot
work point and connected to fire water
main.
Fire Station shall be informed of hot work.
VEHICLE ENTRY
A Hot Work / Vehicle Entry Permit is required
for entry of all vehicles in hazardous areas.
Such areas shall be clearly demarcated with
signs indicating No Entry without Vehicle
Entry Permit.
The signatory authorities shall ensure that all
vehicles / equipment exhaust are equipped with
spark arrestors of approved type.
Entry shall only be allowed for loading and
unloading of materials and not for passenger
transport.
REQUIREMENTS FOR
CONFINED SPACE ENTRY
The process vessel / equipment is to be
positively isolated by blinding.
Shall be made safe for entry by
depressurizing, venting, draining,
steaming, washing and ventilating.
Radiation sources ,if any, shall be
removed.
The atmosphere within the confined space
shall be checked initially and
periodically(gas test).
EXCAVATION
AUTHORIZATION
An excavation authorization is required for all
excavations. Detail drawings of the
underground facilities shall remain attached
with the authorization if available.
In addition to an Excavation Authorization a
Cold / Hot work Permit is required to work.
For excavations more than 1.2 meter deep
confined space entry permit is required. Gas
tests shall be done as per entry permit
requirements.

SUSPENSION OF WORK
PERMIT
All work shall immediately stop when
a fire or emergency alarm is sounded
or accident of any kind occurs.
Approval from the F&S shall be
obtained after necessary preliminary
investigations, to resume such work.
The Work Permit shall be revalidated
to resume the work.
Any responsible members authorized
to suspend work and withdraw the
Work Permit if, safety regulations are
violated.
If work is not started or is stopped
for over two hours, the permit shall
be revalidated by the issuing
authority.
VALIDITY OF PERMIT
Work permit shall be initially issued
for a period of 8 hrs. and shall be
renewed for one more shift .
On need basis , permit can be given
for max. 7 days period.
Clearance to be obtained every shift.
Clearance to be given after
physically checking the site.
CLOSING AND FILING OF
USED WORK PERMITS
Permit Closure: Duly filled and signed by
both executing & issuing authority at
completion of work
Copies of the closed permits shall be
properly filed and kept with the respective
disciplines for at least one month from
the date of issue/closure. Different types
of permits shall be filed separately in
chronological order in box files.
BASIC RESPONSIBILITIES
OF ISSUING AUTHORITY
To prepare the equipment and properly
tick the checklist items
To identify & indicate any residual
hazard
To advise on protective measures &
mention
To carry out gas test wherever reqd.
and enter the result with sign,date &
time
RESPONSIBILITIES OF
ISSUING AUTHORITY CONTD.
To discuss & explain with/to executing
authority
Carry out electrical isolation whenever
reqd.
Close the permit when the job is
complete or end of permit duration,
which one is earlier.
To preserve the permit for next one
month.
BASIC RESPONSIBILITIES
OF EXECUTING AUTHORITY
To clearly understand the conditions of
the equipment and residual hazards
To discuss the above with issuing
authority and decide upon the protective
measures.
To describe the job and associated
hazards to the workmen
To ensure that safe procedure of
execution are being followed

RESPONSIBILITIES OF
EXECUTING AUTHORITY
To check all the hand tools / devices
/equipment and ensure that they are
healthy
To make the permit available at work
site all the time
To close the permit when the job is over
or at the end of permit duration,which
one is earlier.
To preserve the closed permit for next
one month
The Work Permit System :
Work Execution
PREPARATORY WORK
ISSUE WORK PERMITS
SUPERVISION MONITORING
WORK COMPLETED
TESTING
RE-INSTATE EQUIPMENT
RETURN WORK PERMIT
HANDBACK PLANT / EQUIPMENT
In brief The Work Permit System :
Many accidents have occurred due to lack of Work Permit or
non observance of its consigned safety measures.
It could save your life!
The Safe Work Permit is useful for:
The safety of persons in charge of the work
The safety of persons in charge of the process
The risk management of the process and equipment

It is not one more administrative paper!
Fill in and follow correctly the work permit, because.