Model Policy

Permit to Work

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These example forms, checklists and model policies are provided by Barbour for general guidance on matters of interest. In making these documents
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Reviewed March 2022

All organisations should include this section in their policy’s arrangements section if they have reason to issue any
types of permits to work, e.g. hot works, permit to dig, confined space work. Alter and add to this as necessary to
reflect the controls in place within your business.

Permit to Work

It is our policy to control hazardous maintenance or construction work when it takes place, whether it be by competent
employees or contractors.

To achieve this we use a permit to work system. A permit to work is a formal authorisation to operate a pre-approved
safe system of work.

The types of work activities which we have identified for control via a permit to work include ____________________
[eg hot work, use of scaffold, work in lift shafts, roof work, work with asbestos, work within confined spaces, work on
steam plant, work on pressure vessels and pipework, excavation, work in pits, use of a mobile crane, cartridge
operated tools, etc]. No such work is allowed to take place unless it has been authorised by ____________________
[name or job title].

Authorised permit issuers have been chosen due to their appropriate skills and experience. They have been provided
with training in the permit to work system and in the hazards and precautions of the type of work they will be
authorising.

When work requiring a permit is identified, the permit issuer will complete the appropriate permit document, listing
details of the planned work, the level of competence of all operatives and any specialist skills, of plant and equipment
required, foreseeable hazards, precautions to be taken (including any personal protective equipment to be used), and
a start and finish time for the permit. Emergency procedures for all foreseeable risks will also be listed (ensuring that
procedures are conveyed to competent persons and fully understood). Once the permit has been drafted, both
responsible parties sign to agree the particular work methods and precautions.

Training relating to our permit to work policy will be given to any members of staff responsible for signing contractors
in. In their induction briefing of contractors, they will include information on how to identify work in need of a permit and
how to obtain one.

Once the permit has been issued, the work may commence, with the workers keeping a copy of the permit with them
at all times until the work has been completed.

If safety equipment is required, it is to be set up and then reviewed before the permit is signed off and work begins.
While work is ongoing, company representatives will monitor to ensure the work is being completed safely and in line
with the agreed method of work (those employed in-house will be “supervised”).

If any obstacles arise which alter the agreed safe system of work, produce unforeseen hazards, give reason for
additional areas to be accessed or extend the time needed for the job, all those in possession of a permit will cease
work and report back to the permit issuer. The permit is cancelled, the system of work reassessed, a new permit is
raised and those conducting the task are re-briefed.

Once the finish time detailed on a permit is reached, the permit is invalid and work must come to an end. The issuer
and worker will both check and sign to agree that the work area is safe; however if additional time is needed, a new
permit will be issued.

A register of permit issuers and issued permits can be found at ____________________ [eg reception]. Within this
register is information on the types of permits available with the details of authorised permit issuers alongside each

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category. The register also includes relevant comments or restrictions, including training provided,
servicing/maintenance records relating to equipment used, and any incidents of permit procedures 'failing' (so that
modifications can be considered).

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