scope:

Introduction and Scope

What is the Permit to Work process?

The Permit to Work process is a formally documented system for:

• Controlling access to locations where potentially hazardous work needs to be undertaken.

• Ensuring that personnel (employees or contractors), are permitted to carry out maintenance works, are adequately trained and in possession of all necessary Certification or Licensing.

Principles of the Permit to Work process

Planning is the key to safe systems of work. When work or access is required, the principle to be applied is that those persons planning to undertake the activity, will offer completed method statements and any associated risk assessments to the competent person/s for approval. These documents will detail how the work will be carried out, and the necessary controls that need to be in place, to provide a safety system of work. 

The Permit to Work system should not only provide permission to carry out work, but also form part of a process to ensure that work is undertaken and maintained safely for the duration of the work.

It should also take into account unexpected but predictable circumstances which could arise during the course of the operations concerned. This should be detailed in the Method Statement.