What Does
Permit To Work Mean?
A permit to work is a formal document granting permission to perform a planned work procedure that is considered hazardous. It is designed to provide protection to the workers who carry out the permitted work and prevent workers who don’t have a permit from doing risky jobs without the training, qualifications, or preparations needed to do them safely.
The permit-to-work process involves submitting a detailed request to the relevant authority and waiting for them to review the work plan and issue a permit if they authorize the request.
A permit to work is often called a work permit.
Safeopedia Explains Permit To Work
A permit to work will not only authorize the work but stipulate how it must be carried out. It details the work to be done, the equipment that will be used, who will be involved in the task, and the safety precautions to be put in place. It also specifies whether any other parties need to be informed of the planned work project before commencing.
An audit process follows the work to ensure that it was completed as specified by the permit and that steps have been taken to return the work area to a clean, safe state.
Types of Work Permits
- Hot work permit – According to OSHA Standard 1917.152 hot work refers to any fire- or spark-producing operations (such as welding, heating, and brazing)
- Cold work permit – A blanket permit used for processes that do not involve fire or ignition but can expose those involved to serious hazards (e.g. chemical handling).
- Confined space – Permits are required to work in confined spaces that may have hazardous atmospheres, a risk of engulfment, asphyxiation risks, or any other serious safety hazard.
- Electrical work – In addition to acquiring a permit, OSHA’s electrical safety guidelines must be followed.
- Working at heights – A leading cause of workplace injuries and fatalities, the permit process aims to improve these outcomes by ensuring only those with the right training are performing the work.
- Lock Out Tag Out (LOTO) – This procedure ensures that inspection, repair, and maintenance operations of equipment are carried out safely.
- Chemical work – This permit is required to work with dangerous chemical substances or in a chemically induced toxic or corrosive atmosphere.