Permit to Work Systems Explained

A permit to work is a formal, documented authorisation for high-risk tasks. It makes sure the right precautions are confirmed in place — and the right people sign off — before dangerous work begins.

When you need a permit

Permits are used for tasks where the consequences of getting it wrong are severe:

• Hot works — welding, grinding, cutting
• Confined space entry
• Working at height in high-risk situations
• Electrical isolation and live working
• Excavation near services
• Roof work on fragile surfaces

How the system works

1. Request — the task and hazards are described
2. Authorise — a competent person confirms controls and issues the permit
3. Carry out — work proceeds only within the permit's scope and time limit
4. Hand back — the area is confirmed safe and the permit is closed

The permit is a contract: work only happens under its specific conditions, and it's not open-ended.

Why permits fail

The common failures are permits issued without the controls actually being checked, work that drifts outside the permitted scope, and permits left open after the job's done. Each undermines the whole point of the system.

Keep permits visible and closed out

A permit system only works if every permit is tracked from issue to close-out. Managing permits digitally — with the controls verified on site and a clear status for each — stops them slipping through. SiteAudit lets you issue, check, and close permits alongside your inspections, with a full audit trail.