Permit to Work Awareness

A permit to work is a formal written document that authorises specific high-risk work under controlled conditions.
Permits are required for activities such as confined space entry, hot works, electrical isolation, and excavation.
The permit system ensures hazards are identified, controls are in place, and all parties are briefed before work starts.
Permits must be issued by a competent, authorised person who has inspected the work area and confirmed controls.
The permit must be displayed at the work location and visible to everyone involved in the task.
Permits are valid for a single shift or defined period only — a new permit is needed for each shift or location change.
Cross-referencing is required when multiple permits overlap in the same area to prevent conflicting activities.
The permit must be formally handed back and cancelled when the work is complete or the shift ends.
Workers must read, understand, and sign the permit before starting any work covered by the document.
A permit does not replace a risk assessment — it works alongside the RAMS to provide additional control.

Control high-risk work	Permits ensure all precautions are confirmed before dangerous activities begin, reducing the risk of serious incidents.
Clear communication	The permit documents exactly what work is allowed, where, when, and under what conditions — preventing misunderstanding.
Legal compliance	Regulations for confined spaces, electrical work, and other high-risk activities require formal permit systems to be in place.

Do

Don't

Obtain a valid permit before starting any work that requires one on this site.
Read the permit conditions carefully and confirm you understand them before signing.
Display the permit at the work location where all workers can see it.
Check that all control measures listed on the permit are in place before starting.
Ensure the permit is valid for the current shift, location, and scope of work.
Cross-reference with other active permits when working in shared or adjacent areas.
Hand the permit back to the issuer and confirm cancellation when work is complete.
Stop work immediately if any permit condition cannot be maintained during the task.
Report any changes in conditions that affect the validity of the permit.
Keep a copy of the completed permit for the site records and audit trail.

DON'T start any permit-required work without a valid, signed permit in place.
DON'T sign a permit unless you have read and understood all the conditions.
DON'T work with the permit hidden away — it must be displayed at the work location.
DON'T assume controls are in place — physically check each one before starting work.
DON'T continue working under a permit that has expired or relates to a different shift.
DON'T ignore other active permits in the area — check for conflicts before proceeding.
DON'T leave the site without handing back the permit and confirming cancellation.
DON'T carry on working if a permit condition is breached — stop and report immediately.
DON'T alter or amend a permit yourself — only the issuer may make changes.
DON'T treat the permit as just paperwork — it is a critical safety control document.

See also: Confined Space Permits | Hot Works Permits

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