Permit to work

A permit to work is a formal, documented authorisation used for higher-risk activities such as hot works, confined space entry or work on live services. It confirms that the hazards have been considered and the necessary precautions are in place before the work is allowed to begin, and it is signed off and formally closed when the work is complete.

Permits add a controlled checkpoint on the tasks most likely to cause serious harm, so nothing starts on assumption. They sit alongside the task’s risk assessment and method statement rather than replacing them.