CITB Managers Permit to Work Systems 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A permit to work system is most effective when:
- Permits are completed as a formality and filed without review
- The system is robustly managed, the authorising persons are genuinely competent, workers understand the importance of compliance, and the system is regularly audited (Correct answer)
- Permits are issued quickly to avoid delays to the programme
- Only senior managers are involved in the process
Correct answer: The system is robustly managed, the authorising persons are genuinely competent, workers understand the importance of compliance, and the system is regularly audited
A PTW system only adds value if it is genuinely managed — not treated as a paperwork exercise. Competent authorisers, trained workers who understand the importance of compliance, regular auditing of the system, and management commitment are all essential for effectiveness.
Question 2: What is a 'simultaneous operations' (SIMOPS) plan and why is it relevant to permits to work?
- A plan for managing two shifts of workers
- A plan identifying and managing the interactions between multiple concurrent high-risk activities to prevent one activity creating a hazard for another — PTWs must consider SIMOPS conflicts (Correct answer)
- A plan for completing multiple tasks simultaneously to save time
- A financial planning tool
Correct answer: A plan identifying and managing the interactions between multiple concurrent high-risk activities to prevent one activity creating a hazard for another — PTWs must consider SIMOPS conflicts
SIMOPS planning identifies where concurrent activities could create hazards for each other (e.g., hot work near a confined space entry). PTWs must consider whether other permits are active in the area and whether there are interactions that require additional controls or scheduling separation.
Question 3: A permit to work expires at the end of a shift but the work is not complete. What must happen?
- The worker can continue until the task is finished
- The permit expires at the stated time — work must stop and a new permit issued (after re-verification of precautions) before work recommences (Correct answer)
- The worker can extend the permit verbally
- Any worker can sign an extension to the original permit
Correct answer: The permit expires at the stated time — work must stop and a new permit issued (after re-verification of precautions) before work recommences
A PTW is only valid for the time and scope stated on it. If work is not complete when it expires, it cannot be extended informally. Work must stop, and a new permit must be issued after re-checking that all precautions are still in place for the new period of work.
Question 4: What is the purpose of the 'suspension' of a permit to work?
- To permanently cancel the work activity
- To temporarily halt the permitted work when conditions change (e.g., an emergency, weather change, end of shift) and suspend the authorisation until conditions are re-verified (Correct answer)
- To transfer the permit to a different contractor
- To reduce the number of active permits on site
Correct answer: To temporarily halt the permitted work when conditions change (e.g., an emergency, weather change, end of shift) and suspend the authorisation until conditions are re-verified
Permit suspension allows work to be temporarily halted when conditions change unexpectedly — such as a gas escape in the area, a change in weather, or the end of a shift. Work cannot resume until the permit is re-activated following re-verification that precautions are still in place.
Question 5: A confined space permit requires that an atmospheric test be carried out before entry. Who should carry out this test?
- Any available worker
- A competent person trained in atmospheric testing equipment and the interpretation of results, with the appropriate calibrated equipment (Correct answer)
- The confined space entrant themselves just before entering
- Any worker wearing RPE
Correct answer: A competent person trained in atmospheric testing equipment and the interpretation of results, with the appropriate calibrated equipment
Atmospheric testing must be carried out by a competent person with calibrated, appropriate gas monitoring equipment and the training to interpret results. Results must confirm oxygen levels are safe (18–22%) and that toxic and flammable gases are below threshold levels.
Question 6: A worker discovers that the conditions on site do not match those specified in the permit to work (e.g., a gas supply was not fully isolated). They should:
- Continue work carefully and note the discrepancy at the end of the shift
- Stop work immediately, leave the area, and inform the authorising person so the situation can be assessed and the permit re-issued or cancelled (Correct answer)
- Attempt to correct the isolation themselves before proceeding
- Continue if the discrepancy appears minor
Correct answer: Stop work immediately, leave the area, and inform the authorising person so the situation can be assessed and the permit re-issued or cancelled
If site conditions do not match the permit conditions, the permit is no longer valid. The worker must stop work, leave the hazard area, and report the discrepancy to the authorising person immediately. Work cannot resume until the permit has been reviewed and either re-issued or cancelled.
CITB Managers Permit to Work Systems 3
A permit to work system is most effective when: