Permit to Work Systems – Q&A

Health and Safety Q&A

A few questions you need to know the answers to relating to permit to work systems.

Q – What is a permit to work system?

A – Permit to Work is a formal system of controls, using documentation and supervision, that is intended to safeguard the health and safety of workers (and others) involved in particularly hazardous activities. The main purpose of a permit-to-work system is to ensure that proper and specific consideration is given to all the risks of a particular work activity and that all of the risks are assessed and controlled before work starts.

Q – Does a permit to work system have to be in writing, or is an oral agreement to work in accordance with the specifications satisfactory?

Q – What types of activities should be covered by a permit to work and what types of permits are there?

Q – What are the roles of the Authorise Person and the Responsible Person?

Q – What are the important elements of a permit to work system?

Q – What type of information should be recorded on the Permit to Work paperwork?

Q – Should entry into Confined Spaces be covered by a permit to work system?

Read the answers to these permit to work questions