Permit to Work: Understanding Specific Permit Type Requirements

Permit-Specific Safety Checklists

When a 'Type of Permit' is selected (e.g., Confined Space, Excavation), a dedicated section with safety questions and checklists relevant to that specific high-risk activity will appear on the form. Completing these accurately is crucial for safety and for the permit to be authorised. Below are key considerations for each type:

Confined Space Permit

Focuses on ensuring safe entry and work within a confined space.

• Atmospheric Conditions & Monitoring: Verification of air quality, breathing apparatus, and rescue provisions.
• PPE & Equipment: Checks for required personal protective equipment and safety gear.
• Isolation & Standby: Confirmation of energy source isolation and a designated, trained standby person.
• Emergency Preparedness: Ensuring emergency response plans are in place and understood.

Excavation Permit

Addresses the risks associated with ground disturbance.

• Service Location & Clearances: Verification that underground services (electrical, gas, water) have been identified and clearances obtained. This often involves checking for a Ground Disturbance Permit (GDP).
• Excavation Integrity: Conditions related to shoring, access, barricading, and spoil management.
• Dimensions & Isolations: Recording excavation size and detailing any required isolations if services cannot be cleared.

Lift Permit

Manages the safety of lifting operations.

• Lift Plan & Equipment: Requirement for a completed Lift Plan and checks on crane/equipment condition, capacity, and operator competency.
• Site Conditions: Assessment of ground stability, overhead hazards (like powerlines), exclusion zones, and weather.

LOTO (Lock-Out Tag-Out) Permit

Ensures equipment is safely de-energised and isolated before maintenance or servicing.

• Isolation Authority: This section is typically completed by a designated isolation authority.
• Energy Source Identification & Isolation: Detailed checklists for identifying and isolating all relevant energy sources (electrical, mechanical, hydraulic, thermal, etc.).
• Verification & Tagging: Confirmation that isolation has been verified, and appropriate locks and tags are applied correctly.
• Control of Stored Energy: Ensuring any residual energy is safely managed.

Working at Heights Permit

Covers activities where there's a risk of falling.

• Risk Assessment & Control Hierarchy: Confirmation that a risk assessment is done and the safest method (e.g., scaffolding, EWP, fall arrest) is used.
• Equipment & Competency: Checks for appropriate equipment (scaffolding, EWP, ladders, harnesses), its condition, and operator competency/licensing.
• Fall Prevention & Protection: Ensuring adequate fall prevention (guardrails) or fall arrest systems are in place, including anchor points and clearance.
• Rescue Plan: Availability and understanding of a rescue plan.

Hot Works Permit

Manages risks associated with activities generating heat or sparks (e.g., welding, grinding).

• Combustible Materials: Confirmation that the work area is clear of flammable or combustible materials.
• Fire Prevention Equipment: Ensuring appropriate fire extinguishers, fire blankets, or other suppression equipment are readily available and serviceable.

Completing these permit-specific sections diligently is essential for ensuring the safety of the proposed work. The 'Authorise' option for the permit approver may be dependent on the thorough completion of these relevant checklists.