Identifying and Prioritizing the Indicators Influencing the Performance of the Permit-to-work System Using Hybrid Fuzzy Delphi Method - Improve Analytic Hierarchy Process Methods: An Exploratory Cross-sectional Study

Abstract

This study aimed to identify and prioritize the main indicators that influence the performance of the permit-to-work (PTW) using hybrid fuzzy Delphi-improve analytic hierarchy process (IAHP) methods. By the fuzzy Delphi method, indicators that affect PTW are classified into seven main groups and 41 subindicators based on experts’ opinions; in the final stage, indicators and subindicators were weighted and prioritized using the IAHP methods. The results of the IAHP method showed that accountability (0.178), preventive measures and risk avoidance (0.165), and training and qualification (0.141) are the most important ingredients also; the results revealed that identification of work-related hazards (0.221), preformation of gas test (0.173), signature of responsible person for safety (0.232), the record of the work steps (0.213), period of permit validity (0.153), and period of training courses (0.351) had most important among the subindicators. The results of this study can be used as a practical guide to plan the implementation of corrective measures for improving the performance of the PTW system and conduct an audit to identify the strengths and weaknesses of the PTW system in process industries.