CITB Managers Permit to Work Systems 3

Question 1

A permit to work system is most effective when:

Accepted Answer

The system is robustly managed, the authorising persons are genuinely competent, workers understand the importance of compliance, and the system is regularly audited

Answer

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?

Accepted 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

Answer

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?

Accepted Answer

The permit expires at the stated time — work must stop and a new permit issued (after re-verification of precautions) before work recommences

Answer

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?

Accepted 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

Answer

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?

Accepted Answer

A competent person trained in atmospheric testing equipment and the interpretation of results, with the appropriate calibrated equipment

Answer

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.

CITB HS&E Managers Practice Test

CITB HS&E Managers Practice Test

CITB Managers Permit to Work Systems 3