Working at Height Permits

Working at height permits control high-risk activities where falls could cause serious injury or death.
They are required for tasks such as roof access, leading edge work, work over voids, and tower crane access.
The permit confirms that a risk assessment exists, controls are in place, and the team is briefed.
It defines the work area, duration, access method, fall protection, and rescue arrangements.
Permits must be signed by a competent person who has verified the controls are in place.
The Work at Height Regulations 2005 require all work at height to be properly planned and supervised.
Permits must be displayed at the work location and all operatives must understand the conditions.
Environmental conditions including wind speed, rain, and ice must be checked before the permit is issued.
Permits are time-limited — they must be re-issued if work extends beyond the permitted duration.
Cross-referencing with other active permits is essential where height work overlaps with other hazards.

Fall prevention	Permits ensure fall protection is planned, checked, and in place before work begins.
Legal requirement	Work at Height Regulations mandate planned and supervised working at height.
Rescue planning	The permit confirms rescue arrangements are in place before anyone works at height.
Environmental check	Permits require weather assessment to prevent work in dangerous conditions.

Do

Don't

Obtain a signed working at height permit before starting any controlled height work.
Verify that all fall protection specified on the permit is installed and functional.
Check weather conditions against the permit's stop-work criteria before starting.
Display the permit at the point of work for all operatives to see.
Brief every member of the work team on the permit conditions and rescue plan.
Confirm the rescue method and equipment are in place before accessing height.
Re-issue the permit if the work extends beyond the time limit stated.
Cross-reference with other active permits for potential conflicts.
Inspect fall protection equipment before each use as required by the permit.
Return the permit to the issuer when the work is complete.

DON'T work at height on controlled tasks without a valid signed permit.
DON'T start work if the fall protection specified on the permit is not in place.
DON'T continue if weather conditions exceed the permit's stop-work criteria.
DON'T let the permit expire while work at height is still in progress.
DON'T alter the access method or fall protection without the issuer's approval.
DON'T work at height without a rescue plan confirmed on the permit.
DON'T access the work area before the permit briefing has been completed.
DON'T remove fall protection until all work is complete and the area is cleared.
DON'T sign for a permit inspection you have not personally verified.
DON'T treat the permit as optional for short-duration height work.

See also: Permit to Work Awareness | Roof Work Risk Assessment

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