Progress is controlled by evidence and sign-off. If a gate is not passed, the change stops and returns for clarification, further assessment or completion of actions.
Evidence: clear proposal, owner, MOC reference and supporting information.
Change owner or sponsor confirms the record is clear and owned.
Evidence: documented classification, assessment level and review plan.
MOC coordinator or screening reviewer confirms the classification.
Evidence: completed risk worksheet, attendees, actions and residual-risk decision.
Assessment leader and review team confirm the assessment and actions.
Evidence: named approver, decision, date and recorded approval conditions.
Designated approver accepts the plan and residual risk. Approval is not permission to bypass Gate 5 readiness checks.
Evidence: action evidence, readiness review, test results, briefings and release record.
Implementation owner and readiness reviewer authorise release into use.
Evidence: updated records, post-implementation review, closed actions and lessons learned.
Closure approver accepts the evidence and closes the MOC record.
Operational documents and responsibilities now reflect the approved change.
Record the reason and actions. Return to the relevant earlier gate, update the proposal or assessment, then obtain the required sign-off again before progressing.
If the design, material, operating envelope or implementation method changes, return to screening and risk review.
Approvals should point to completed assessments, calculations, drawings, certificates, training and test results.
A conditional approval is an action, not a waiver. Close or verify each condition before the relevant release point.
Record expiry, monitoring and reversion arrangements. Extension requires review and renewed authorisation.
| Gate | Decision | Typical accountable role | Minimum evidence |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 — Initiate | Ready to screen | Change owner / sponsor | Clear scope, reason, owner and supporting information |
| 2 — Screen | Route and assessment level confirmed | MOC coordinator / screening reviewer | Classification, disciplines and assessment plan |
| 3 — Review | Risk assessment accepted | Assessment leader and review team | Hazards, safeguards, risk ratings, actions and ALARP basis |
| 4 — Approve | Authorised to implement | Designated approver | Signed decision, conditions, resources and timing |
| 5 — Implement | Ready for release into use | Implementation owner / readiness reviewer | Completed actions, tests, training and pre-start checks |
| 6 — Close | Change embedded and record closed | Closure approver | Updated documents, review results, closed/transferred actions and learning |
Local authority applies: map these generic role descriptions to the named roles and delegated authorities in your site MOC procedure.