Work permits: Control high-risk work before it starts

A work permit makes the hazards, controls, authority and close-out of non-routine or high-risk work visible. A permit is not a signature; it is a live control that must be stopped when conditions change.

Common permit types

• Hot work: welding, cutting, grinding and sparks.
• Confined space: atmosphere, attendant, isolation and rescue.
• Work at height: collective protection, fall arrest and rescue.
• Excavation: underground services, collapse and traffic.
• Electrical work: isolation, lockout/tagout and dead testing.
• Critical lifting: lift plan, equipment, ground and communication.

A five-step permit flow

1. Plan the job, location, people and interfaces.
2. Assess hazards and select controls.
3. Issue and hand over the permit at the worksite.
4. Monitor conditions; suspend when controls are lost.
5. Inspect the area, close the permit and record learning.

Make roles clear

The permit issuer, performing team, area owner, isolation authority, gas tester and rescue team must know their responsibilities. Shift change and contractor handover need a defined method.

Keep evidence

Record the permit number, validity, measurements, isolations, approvals, toolbox briefing, close-out and any deviations.