DESCRIPTION
An IPT is a proactive, team-based attempt to identify hazards or situations that may lead to accidents or environmental incidents, agreeing suitable actions in advance, to minimise the potential or the effects of an incident. Ideally the IPT is performed by a multidisciplinary team. Members can be from management, supervisory team or the operations/maintenance team. Personnel do not have to be particularly familiar with the area under assessment, the concept being that ‘another pair of eyes’ can identify aspects that those working in the area every day do not see.
There are various strategies that can be employed but the following simple methods are recommended:
1.Make the people working in the area aware of your presence when conducting the IPT
2.Ask them for their input regarding safety or environmental issues
3.Watch them doing a work activity (e.g. loading a tanker, performing a maintenance task)
4.Whilst observing, conduct a Job Safety Analysis, checking such things as the PPE compliance measures are being employed to minimise risk, etc
5.Tour the area under assessment and identify areas that do not meet expected standards – eg guarding, bunding, housekeeping
6.Check for availability of safety equipment for fire or first aid.
Discuss the findings amongst the team and agree appropriate actions for improvement.
BENEFITS
1.Identify hazards or situations before they occur
2.Fresh eyes’ may identify hazards current operators overlook
3.Involve all strata of the workforce to engage in safety issues
4.Visible method of demonstrating the importance the company places on safety matters.
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