To resolve the inefficient and manual process of fire permit processing by nuclear station owners, Westinghouse can transform the paper-based form process into a digital process.
This solution is based on the use of the OptiLifeTM WORKS platform, on which specific modules and functionalities are developed to meet Fire Protection needs and future workflows. The Fire Protection Information System (FPIS) measures aggregate impact (risk) by fire area and zone association which provides station owners real time station fire risk.
Challenge
- Fires in nuclear power remains a top plant risk contributor.
- Plant operators require accurate tools to maintain configuration control.
- Paper based tracking and controls are ineffective in providing decision making support.
- Fire Marshals and engineers focused on paper and admin work struggle to provide field support in monitoring fire hazards.
- Permit processing is typically reactionary and last minute.
- Craft personnel are forced to wait for approval process to complete resulting in lost time.
- Paper based approaches cannot measure aggregate impact automatically.
- Change of permits, environmental factors (combustible material) add complexity to fire protection and fire management life cycle.
Solution/Benefits
- Designed in collaboration with a U.S. Nuclear Utility to provide a web-based application specifically designed for fire protection.
- Allows for real time data aggregation and decision making with increased Fire Marshal Field oversight and Program enforcement.
- Applications are designed for field use (mobile/offline and online), including ability for Craft to initiate permit request in advance with mobile device/desktop.
- Digital floor plan data enhances auto permit approval with oversight.
- Fire marshals and engineers are empowered with data and can manage risks more efficiently.
- Active permits can be updated, revised and approved saving valuable time and resources.
- A systematic and data approach provides confidence and builds margin in regulatory compliance
Fire Protection Information Systems (FPIS)
As a Fire Protection Team member, paper-based fire permit processing can create approval delays, inconsistent documentation, and limited visibility into cumulative risk—especially across fire areas and zones. FPIS by Westinghouse, built on the OptiLife™ WORKS platform, replaces manual forms with configurable digital workflows. This helps you standardize permit execution, improve audit readiness, and monitor aggregated fire risk in real time.
Why Does Permitting Matter?
- Fire permits (hot work, impairments, combustibles) are high-risk, regulator-visible activities.
- Current manual processes increase regulatory exposure, operational delay, and people-dependent risk.
- Regulators expect configuration control, traceability, and defense-in-depth.
What FPIS Does:
- Digitizes fire permit processing from request through approval and closure.
- Configurable workflows to align with site-specific fire protection requirements and approval authorities.
- Risk aggregation and reporting across fire areas, zones, and associated work activities.
- Role-based workflow helps ensure the right reviews happen at the right time.
Key Benefits:
- Shorter permit turnaround with digital routing, approvals, and status visibility.
- Stronger compliance and audit readiness through standardized records, traceability, and controlled process steps.
- Better risk-informed decisions with aggregated fire risk by fire area and zone association.
- Less rework for your team with guided data capture, business rules, and consistent workflow execution.
- Expandable digital foundation to support additional fire protection workflows as requirements evolve.
- Manager-ready visibility into current permits and aggregated station fire risk.
- Audit-ready documentation with searchable records, traceability, and consistent execution evidence.
Request a Demo
See how FPIS can help your Fire Protection organization standardize permit execution, improve audit readiness, and maintain risk visibility across the station. For more information, please contact Thomas Swanson, thomas.swanson@westinghouse.com.
