CITB Managers Permit to Work Systems

Question 1

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

Accepted 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

Answer

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.

Question 2

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

Accepted Answer

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

Answer

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.

Question 3

A permit to work must be signed by:

Accepted Answer

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

Answer

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).

Question 4

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

Accepted 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

Answer

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.

Question 5

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

Accepted 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

Answer

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.

CITB HS&E Managers Practice Test

CITB HS&E Managers Practice Test

CITB Managers Permit to Work Systems