The Workplace Manager will appoint a Permit Controller to authorise isolation and de-isolation of equipment.

Direct control is the simplest form of isolation and protection against hazardous energy sources. This may occur on plant / equipment where:

• The worker can physically remove or separate components to isolate energy sources (e.g. turn off power and unplug leads, cable or disconnect hoses).
• Each worker can continuously observe and control the points of isolation. The isolation will not interrupt or interfere with other work on the site.

Examples of direct control isolation might include:

• The maintenance of power tools and the servicing of light vehicles.
• Unplugging power leads.
• Disconnecting pipes and hoses.
• Removing vehicle ignition keys and applying hand brake.
• The worker effectively prevents re-energisation of the plant without locks and tags by direct control over power leads or hoses.

The Workplace Manager may allow exemptions from the need to complete an isolation permit for single point isolations in cases where the isolation is relating to:

• Pre-Acceptance / Initial Inspections on standalone plant.
• Daily pre-start checks on plant.
• Routine maintenance of mobile plant by authorised personnel.
• Simple single point electrical isolations performed by licenced electricians.
• Other tasks which have been risk assessed by a competent person, identified as low risk and approved by the Workplace Manager.

The Permit Controller must first confirm each of the following before permit exemptions may be applied to any of the above.

• The isolation is being performed by the same person who will be carrying out the task (e.g. fitter performing routine maintenance on an item of plant).
• The person performing the work is trained and competent in relevant isolation requirements.
• A task risk assessment (TRA) has been developed and approved by the Workplace Manager or competent person nominated by the Workplace Manager.
• The TRA must clearly identify the isolation point, the method of isolation and the test requirements for the presence of hazardous materials / stored energy.