Health & Safety Risk
Management System
S21 – Toolbox Talk
Permit to Work
A permit to work is a document that controls the undertaking of a task involving sufficient hazards
to require a written record of hazard identification, control measure verification, authorisation to
start, acceptance, return and cancellation.
A list of all tasks requiring a permit to work is displayed on the company health and safety notice
board. These tasks must not be started until the permit has been written, and received by the
persons undertaking the work.
The originator of a permit to work is generally the responsible manager, who must ensure all
control measures detailed in it are in place before issuing it. The hazards identified and
consequent control measures specific to the particular task will vary depending upon the task. All
hazards must be identified, clearly detailed on the permit, and suitable and sufficient control
measures must be put in place.
The following points are common to all permits to work:
Details of the type of permit in use
Details of the task, and the location in which the work is to be undertaken
The time and date the permit is valid from
The hazards identified
The control measures in place to remove or minimise those hazards
The method and location of isolation and lock off
Emergency contact details
Confirmation that a risk assessment and a safe system of work are available
Authorised signature of the person issuing the permit
Signed acknowledgement from the persons receiving the permit and supervising the
work
Time extension, if required, from the initial expiry time stated
Completion of work and cancellation of the permit (acknowledgement by the person in
charge of the work and the issuer of the permit respectively).
Training register
Date ..............................................................................................................................................
Name of attendee Signature
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S21 – Toolbox Talk: Permit to Work - 1 / 1 Produced in association with The Institute of Quarrying
© QMJ Publishing Ltd
