Mondi Shanduka Newsprint, claimed by ApplyIT to be the largest supplier of newsprint and telephone directory paper to South Africa and selected export markets, has further committed to worker safety and environmental protection with the commissioning of IntelliPermit, an automated Permit to Work software solution.
Developed and patented by process manufacturing software solution specialist ApplyIT, the software has been implemented in the thermo-mechanical pulping (TMP) plant at Mondi Shanduka's Durban-based site to improve safety standards and ensure strict adherence to Permit to Work procedures at the plant. The system is integrated with fingerprint scanners for biometric identification to control the authorisation of permits at the site. Integration to the site's access control systems is also currently underway to keep an accurate record of work in progress and ensure that all permits are closed off before employees and contractors leave site.
The pulp and paper industry is recognised worldwide as highly hazardous, and measures are constantly sought to improve safety. The IntelliPermit system focuses on enhancing operational safety by improving the integrity of management control over the Permit to Work process, detecting hazards associated with specific jobs depending on the type of work being carried out, the area within the plant and the types of equipment involved.
Previously managed using hand-written permits to work, the permit issuing process at the plant is now faster, more thorough and more empowering for the work teams.
"IntelliPermit enables secure isolations within areas of the plant. The system ensures employees adhere to safety rules and perform thorough risk assessments, thereby protecting themselves from the risk of possible injury," says Willie Bloem, woodyard and TMP production superintendent at Mondi Shanduka Newsprint.
"The quality of the data input has improved, and risk assessments are considerably more in-depth. The system enables management to see at a glance how work on a particular section is progressing, whether there are any problems and how long a job is taking."
Following the success of IntelliPermit at the TMP Plant, plans are underway to expand the use of the system to cover the other operational areas on site.
Based on the occupational and environmental hazards present in the plant environment, IntelliPermit applies rules regarding the precautions, preparations and personal protective equipment (PPE) required, ensuring that workers are aware of the hazards and adhere to the specified safety precautions on site.
"Permit to Work systems are one of the most critical aspects of managing safety in hazardous work environments; they are vital to safeguard employees and the environment and ensure responsible and sustainable operations," says Gavin Halse, MD of ApplyIT.
"Through IntelliPermit, workers who are about to be exposed to hazards can be made aware of those risks and the correct measures can be undertaken to protect them."
ApplyIT is a South African developer and implementer of software solutions for companies involved in process manufacturing. It offers a range of specialised business applications to support an operating business, including supply chain, asset management, SHE-Q (safety, health, environment and quality), ERP and customer relationship management.
ApplyIT's solutions have been used in a wide range of process manufacturing companies. The company has been developing and implementing software solutions in the chemicals sector since 1995. Through direct experience and strong relationships with the manufacturing sector, it is familiar with the complex issues that companies face, and the many factors that contribute towards the success or failure of software solutions in this environment.
For more information contact Claire Brider, ApplyIT, +27 (0)31 275 8080, [email protected], www.applyit.co.za
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