PTW/Specific/TBT-PTW-005

Electrical Permits

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Electrical Permits

Toolbox Talk Record

Ref: TBT-PTW-005  |  Issue: 1  |  Date: March 2026
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What?

  • Electrical permits to work control all activities involving electrical systems on construction sites.
  • They are required for isolation, testing, commissioning, cable jointing, and live proximity work.
  • The permit defines the exact equipment, isolation points, and safety measures required.
  • Only an authorised person may issue and cancel an electrical permit to work.
  • The Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 require safe systems of work for electrical activities.
  • A permit ensures circuits are isolated, locked off, proved dead, and earthed where required.
  • Permits must be displayed at the point of work so all personnel can see the controls.
  • Cross-referencing with other permits is essential where electrical work overlaps other activities.
  • Permits have defined time limits — work must stop if the time limit expires.
  • Cancellation must only happen after all tools and personnel are clear of the circuit.

Why?

Prevent electrocutionElectrical contact kills — permits ensure circuits are confirmed dead before work.
Legal requirementThe Electricity at Work Regulations require documented safe systems for electrical work.
Clear communicationPermits ensure everyone knows what is isolated and what is safe.
Audit trailPermits create a record of controls applied, providing evidence of compliance.
Do Don't
  • Obtain a signed electrical permit before starting any electrical work.
  • Confirm the exact circuit and isolation points match the permit details.
  • Prove dead at the point of work using an approved voltage indicator.
  • Display the permit at the work location so it is visible to all.
  • Lock off all isolation points with personal padlocks and danger tags.
  • Cross-reference with other active permits to avoid conflicting work.
  • Return the permit to the authorised person when work is complete.
  • Stop work and contact the authorised person if the time limit expires.
  • Ensure all earths are applied before starting work where required.
  • Brief all members of the work team on the permit conditions.
  • DON'T start electrical work without a valid signed permit in place.
  • DON'T assume a circuit is dead without proving it at the point of work.
  • DON'T work on circuits not covered by your specific permit.
  • DON'T remove another person's lock or tag from an isolation point.
  • DON'T allow the permit to expire while work is still in progress.
  • DON'T re-energise circuits until the permit is formally cancelled.
  • DON'T carry out live working unless specifically authorised and controlled.
  • DON'T leave the work area without handing back the permit.
  • DON'T ignore changes in site conditions that affect the permit controls.
  • DON'T issue permits for equipment you are not authorised to control.

See also: Permit to Work Awareness | Electrical Isolation
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