Area Authority (AAD)

About the role

The Area Authority (AAD) is responsible for ensuring safe execution of work activities in the field. This role coordinates closely with the Performing Authority (PA) to identify hazards, verify risk assessments and oversee permit issuance. The AAD monitors worksite conditions, energy isolation and compliance throughout each shift.

Key responsibilities

• Conduct detailed discussions with the Performing Authority during planning to identify hazards and verify that a comprehensive Risk Assessment is completed to ALARP standards.
• Visit the worksite with the PA to prepare Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment (HITRA), attend toolbox talks, authorize work start and perform regular monitoring checks, especially during the first hour of permit issuance.
• Approve design and implementation of energy isolation measures, confirm positive isolation for hot work and confined space entry, and liaise with station SAEP for electrical safety documentation.
• Close permits by signing off completed work, ensuring the site is left safe, clean and that isolation is removed, and manage shift handovers to maintain continuity.
• Coordinate SIMOPS to avoid conflicts, attend daily permit/SIMOPS meetings, capture lessons learned and conduct self‑verification audits.