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A work permit system in the pharmaceutical industry is a formal procedure that controls hazards in non-routine work. It’s a statutory requirement under the Factories Act of 1948.
A work permit is an official document that authorizes specific tasks and ensures that all necessary safety precautions are taken before starting work.
It’s an agreement between the issuer and the receiver that documents the conditions, preparations, precautions, and limitations that need to be understood before work begins.
A work permit system is applicable to the following types of work
Cold Work
A cold work permit is a formal document that authorizes and regulates work that doesn’t involve open flames or heat sources, but still has a risk of injury or damage.
Hot Work
A hot work permit is required for any temporary operation that involves heat, sparks, or open flames. This includes welding, soldering, cutting, brazing, grinding, and torch-applied roofing. Hot work can introduce significant fire hazards.
Work on Height
height work permit is required when working at heights above a certain level. The level is set by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and varies depending on the type of work being done. According to the OSHA, height is decided as 1.8 meters.
Work on fragile roof
A permit to work on a fragile roof should be issued by an authorized person each time someone is required to work on the roof. The permit should include the location and duration of the work, as well as a list of safety requirements that must be met.
Vessels and confined space entry
A confined space entry permit, also known as a vessel entry permit, is required when entering or investigating a confined space such as a tank, vessel, or trench.
They include any space with a limited opening that is not suitable for working for a long time and may cause accidents.
Examples of confined spaces include:
chambers, tanks, vessels, furnaces, ducts, sewers, manholes, pits, flues, and excavations.
The minimum acceptable oxygen level for a vessel entry permit is 19.5%.
Excavation
An excavation permit to work is typically required for digging or excavating below a certain depth, such as 30 cm, as digging below the surface can expose workers to risks like cave-ins, falling debris, and gas or electrical lines.
Lock out Tag out (LOTO)
LOTO is a safety procedure that ensures that hazardous machinery and situations are properly locked before maintenance begins.
A work permit form consists of specific instructions of the nature of the job, the time and place, and adequate information of critical safety procedures to follow.
