Permit to Work Systems Flashcards

A permit to work for working in a confined space must identify the 'standby person'. What are the standby person's responsibilities?

Answer: To remain outside the confined space, maintain communication with those inside, monitor conditions, and initiate the rescue procedure if an emergency occurs — the standby person must NOT enter the space

The standby person remains outside the confined space throughout the entry. Their role is to: maintain continuous communication with those inside, monitor conditions, keep unauthorised persons out, and initiate the rescue procedure (calling for help, using rescue equipment) if an emergency occurs. They must not enter the space to attempt a rescue without proper equipment and training.

The permit to work system for electrical isolation must include locking and tagging (LOTO). What is the purpose of the lock?

Answer: To physically prevent the isolated switch or circuit from being re-energised — only the worker holding the key can re-energise the circuit, confirming they are clear of the hazard

Lockout physically prevents the switch from being moved to the 'on' position. Each worker on the task applies their own padlock — the circuit cannot be re-energised until all padlocks are removed, confirming all workers are clear. The tag provides additional identification and warning.

On a construction project, which person should audit the permit to work system to ensure it is working effectively?

Answer: The site manager or safety manager, on a regular basis, checking that permits are being completed correctly, controls are actually in place, and the system is not becoming a tick-box exercise

The site or safety manager should conduct regular audits of the PTW system — checking that permits are correctly completed, that the specified controls are genuinely in place, and that the system has not deteriorated into a paperwork exercise. Auditing demonstrates management commitment and identifies weaknesses.

What must happen to all energy sources before a permit to work is issued for work on plant?

Answer: All energy sources must be isolated, de-energised, and locked out (LOTO) in accordance with the isolation procedure, and the isolation confirmed by the authorising person before the permit is signed

LOTO (lock out, tag out) requires all energy sources — electrical, pneumatic, hydraulic, thermal, gravitational — to be isolated, de-energised, and locked. The authorising person must verify all isolations are in place before signing the permit.

Why must a permit to work be clearly displayed at the work location?

Answer: So that all workers in the area, including those not directly involved in the permitted work, can see that a permit is in force, what the conditions are, and who has been authorised — preventing unauthorised interference

Displaying the permit at the work location informs all workers in the area that a permit is in force. This prevents unauthorised persons from carrying out work in the area, alerts others to the specific hazards and controls, and confirms the permitted workers and scope.

A new worker joins a project and is assigned a task covered by a permit to work. Before they begin, they must:

Answer: Receive a specific briefing on the permit conditions, confirm they understand the hazards and controls, be shown the emergency arrangements, and sign the permit as a person working under it

Every person working under a PTW must understand its conditions. A new worker must receive a briefing on the specific hazards and controls, understand the emergency procedures, and sign the permit to acknowledge they understand and accept the conditions.