Permit to Work

Question 1

List the principles that apply when using a permit to work.

Answer 1

• The permit should be relevant and as accurate as possible. It should state the location and details of the work to be done, the nature and results of any preliminary tests undertaken, the measures undertaken to make the job safe and the safeguards that need to be taken during the operation.
• The permit should specify the period of its validity (which should not exceed 24 hours) and any time limits applicable to the work which it authorises.
• Only the work specified on the permit should be undertaken.
• Before signing the permit, the authorising officer should ensure that all measures specified as necessary have in fact been taken.
• The authorising officer retains responsibility for the work until he has either cancelled the permit or formally transferred it to another authorised person who should be made fully conversant with the situation. Anyone who takes over, either as a matter of routine or in an emergency, from the authorising officer; should sign the permit to work to indicate transfer of full responsibility.
• Ther person responsible for carrying out the specified work should countersign the permit to indicate his understanding of the safety precautions to be observed.
• On completion of the work, that person should notify the responsible officer and get the permit cancelled.

Question 2

State the maximum period of validity of a permit to work.

Answer 2

Maximum period of validity of a permit to work is 24 hours.