IntelliPERMIT was rolled out across operational areas to improve safety processes through the automation of the permit-to-work issuing procedure and the improvement of management’s electronic accessibility to view permits issued.

Mining at the operation is performed over extensive areas, and a number of the conveyor systems used to extract ore and return tailings are constantly moving. One of the project challenges was to develop an acceptable method to ensure that this mobile equipment, which is not connected to the plant control systems, was safely isolated prior to final authorisation of the permit. In this regard the IntelliPERMIT system generates and records verification codes that are communicated from the control room via radio to the worker isolating the equipment in remote areas on site. This allows the authentication of critical safety communications and the minimisation of manual checking of remote branch conveyors.

The system, which replaced a manual system of issuing permits with a number of permit books having to be maintained at each operation, is designed to standardise permit issuing procedures across all sites and between the various types of permit, and improve compliance with the documented permit procedures, thereby improving performance against the relevant audit assessments. It also streamlines the permit issue and isolation processes for maximum safety and efficiency.

Their Chief Electrical Engineer says, “Improved visibility enables a better awareness of what’s happening on the plants. At any one time, from the convenience of their desks, management can see where work is being carried out on the plants, which permits have expired, and what action is required.”

“The position of this company, with operations in various provinces, each with unique operating challenges, meant that over time procedures used at the different sites had diverged. IntelliPERMIT allowed the company to standardise the permit-to-work process across all sites, while maintaining the ability to provide site-specific information to workers and management,” says Guy Imbert, COO of Rifle-Shot Performance Holdings.