Prioritizing the indicators influencing permit to work system efficiency based on an analytic network process

Abstract

A permit to work (PTW) system is a formal procedure designed to control non-routine and hazardous works. However, this system by itself does not prevent incidents, and various factors contribute to its efficiency. This study aims to prioritize the indicators influencing system efficiency. To do this, indicators of the system were identified and scored by 15 safety experts. Next, priority weights of the indicators were analyzed by an analytic network process and Super Decisions version windows 2.10. Accordingly, the nine main indicators and 43 sub-indicators influencing the PTW system were ranked. The main indicators from high to low were preventive actions, training, safe procedures, emergency system, control and corrective measures, coordination, monitoring, details of the permit form and documentation, respectively. The present work helps identify the involved indicators in PTW system efficiency. Thereby, the experts can prioritize and perform measures to prevent failures in the system and decrease accidents.

Keywords:

• permit to work
• safety
• permit to work indicators
• analytic network process

Acknowledgements

The authors greatly appreciate the safety and health experts for their very valuable and helpful suggestions and scoring on PTW system indicators. This article has been extracted from a thesis submitted for an MSc degree in health, safety and environmental (HSE) management, which has been approved by the ethics committee of Tabriz University of Medical Sciences (Ethic number: IR.TBZMED.REC.1398.833).

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Funding

This research was supported financially by the Iranian East Azarbaijan Province Gas Company.