Permit to Work Systems Flashcards

What is the primary purpose of a permit to work (PTW) system?

Answer: To provide a formal written document that authorises specific high-risk work, specifies the precautions required, and confirms they are in place before work commences

A permit to work is a formal control system for high-risk activities. It authorises a specific activity, specifies and verifies the required precautions, identifies who may carry out the work, and sets the time and scope of the authorisation. It supplements but does not replace a risk assessment.

Which of the following activities would typically require a permit to work on a construction site?

Answer: Hot work near flammable materials, working in confined spaces, excavation of live services, and work on live electrical systems

Permits to work are typically used for activities that present a high risk of serious injury or death: hot work near flammables, confined space entry, live electrical work, work near buried or overhead services, and work where there is a specific risk of a catastrophic incident.

A permit to work must be signed by:

Answer: The authorising person (who confirms precautions are in place) and the person in charge of the work (who accepts responsibility for following them)

A PTW must be signed by a competent authorising person (who has checked that all required precautions are in place) and the worker or supervisor in charge of carrying out the work (who accepts responsibility for complying with the permit conditions).

How does a permit to work differ from a risk assessment?

Answer: A risk assessment identifies hazards and controls; a PTW provides formal authorisation and verification that specific controls are in place before a specific instance of high-risk work begins

The risk assessment identifies the hazards and determines the required controls. The PTW verifies that those specific controls have been implemented in this specific instance, formally authorises the work to start, and manages its duration and closure.

When a permit to work is cancelled or the work is complete, what must happen?

Answer: The permit must be formally closed out (signed off by the authorising person), confirming the work is complete, the area is safe, and any isolations are removed

Permit close-out is a critical step: the authorising person confirms that the work is complete, the area is left in a safe condition, any isolations (electrical, gas) that were applied are removed appropriately, and the area is returned to normal use. The closed permit is retained as a record.

A 'cold work permit' is used when:

Answer: Work involves no ignition sources, usually near flammable materials, and confirms that the area is safe to work in without introducing hot work hazards

A cold work permit is used for work near flammable or explosive atmospheres where it is important to confirm that no ignition sources will be introduced and that the atmosphere is safe. It is the counterpart to the hot work permit.