Situations where a permit-to-work would be appropriate include:
- High or low voltage electrical work.
- Work on complex production plant.
- Work in confined spaces.
- Work involving naked flames (hot work).
- Work on roofs.
- Excavation work.
- Work on or near asbestos.
(This is not an exhaustive list)
A permit-to-work is a document that will set out the way in which the risk is to be controlled by specifying:
- The scope of work to be carried out.
- The location of the work.
- Who is responsible.
- Who is to do the work.
- What precautions need to be taken.
- Hazards identified.
- PPE required.
- Authorisation to commence work.
- What checks will need to be carried out.
- The emergency arrangements.
- What to do in unusual circumstances.
- The time limit of the permit.
- Handback.
- Cancellation.
A permit-to-work must be signed by both the person issuing it and the recipient. When all work is complete or the time limit has expired, the permit-to-work must be cancelled and signed to that effect by the issuer. A permit-to-work must also be cancelled if there is a need to change the system of work, since the requirements for safe working will need to be carefully reviewed.