APPENDIX CAPPENDIX C

APPENDIX C

APPENDIX C: WORK PERMIT GUIDELINES

WORK PERMIT PROCEDURES ON OFFSHORE INSTALLATIONS/SUPPORT VESSELS

Cl The intention of this Appendix is to identify those areas of work on an offshore support vessel which should be covered by a work permit system and the clarification of administrative procedures which should apply.

C2 Regulations in force under the new 'Safety Case' legislation require that all work activities which may present a particular hazard be controlled by a work permit system. The aim of the system is to ensure the personal safety of those doing the work, to ensure that the safety of other persons is not endangered by the work being done and to ensure the overall safety and integrity of the installation or vessel.

C3 The types of work activity which may require a work permit include, but are not necessarily limited to:

1. hot work of any type (where heat is used or generated, for example by welding, flame cutting, grinding, etc.);

2. work which may generate incendive sparks or other sources of ignition;

3. work which may cause an unintended or uncontrolled hydrocarbon release, including any disconnection or opening of any closed pipeline, vessel or equipment containing, or which has contained, flammable or toxic materials;

4. electrical work which may cause danger;

5. entry into confined spaces;

(f) work at any place on the vessel from which any person will be liable to fall

into the sea or a distance of more than two metres;

1. work involving the use of dangerous substances;

2. work, the safe performance of which requires the isolation of water, oil, steam, compressed air or other piping, or which requires the isolation of electrical circuits.

C4 It should be noted that:

1. not all work of the above types necessarily requires a work permit; whether it does or not is a matter for the Master using the particular company Work Permit structure.

2. conversely, the circumstances of some work of a different type might call for the issue of a work permit.

C5 It is an essential element of any work permit system that an appropriate person should co-ordinate and control the issuing, return and close out of work permits. That person, on a support vessel, would normally be the Master as he is in a position to take an overview of all operations underway and planned for the vessel in order that potential hazards are not compounded by each other. It is the responsibility of the Master to ensure this co-ordination and control either by undertaking this function himself or by appointing an appropriate person to carry it out on his behalf.