Safe Systems

A safe system of work is a considered method of working that takes proper account of the potential hazards to employees, and others such as visitors and contractors, and provides a formal framework to ensure that all steps necessary for safe working have been anticipated and implemented.

Clear Procedures

When looking at your systems, don’t forget:
1. routine work ( including setting up and preparation , finishing off and cleaning activities)
2. less routine work e.g. maintenance
3. emergencies, e.g. fire, spillages or plant breakdown.

Think of all the different things you do. Ask those who do the job to tell you what they actually do and how they do it. Get them to help identify the hazards and risk.

Safe Procedures

Think about:
1. who is in charge of the job?
2. do the responsibilities overlap with anyone else’s ?
3. is there anything which is not someone’s responsibility?
4. has anyone checked that the equipment, tools or machines are right for the job?
5. are safe ways of doing the job already in place?
6. could this job interfere with the health and safety of others?
7. are the safety procedures laid down for the job. Is there any guidance which may help you?
8. have people been trained and instructed in the use and limitations of equipment?
9. if the job cannot be finished today can it be left in a safe state?
10. are clear instructions available for the next shift?
11. are the production people aware of what maintenance staff are doing and vice versa?
12. what might go wrong ,e.g. accident, explosion, food poisoning, electrocution, fire, release of radioactivity, chemical spill?


Permits to Work

Simple instructions or lock-off procedures are adequate for most jobs, but some require extra care. A “permit to work” states exactly what work is to be done and when, and which parts are safe. A responsible person should assess the work and check safety at each stage. The people doing the job sign the permit to show that they understand the risk and precautions necessary.

Procedures may need to be include:
1. entry into vessels, confined spaces or machines
2. hot work which may cause explosion or fire
3. construction work or the use of contractors
4. cutting into pipework carrying hazardous substances
5. mechanical or electrical work requiring isolation of the power sources, e.g. before work inside large machines, if locking off is not good enough.
6. work on plant, mixers, boilers etc which must be effectively cut off from the possible entry of fumes, gas, liquids or steam
7. testing for dangerous fumes or lack of oxygen before entering an unventilated pit or silo.
8. vacuuming the inside of any empty grain silo to remove dust which might explode, before hot cutting a hole in the side.

Lock-Off Procedures

Before working on plant or equipment, isolate machines from the main power supply by locking off the power. Usually this is done by using a separate electrical switch.

1. use a safety lock with one key
2. where several people are working, use a multiple hasp so that everyone can fit their own lock.
3. only when all the locks have been removed can the equipment be switched on
4. put a warning notice or label on the switch, and make sure it is removed when the work has finished.