Permit to Work guide for industrial sites
A Permit to Work (PTW) is a formal control system for higher-risk work or activities requiring stronger coordination. A permit does not replace risk assessment; it records the conditions under which the work is authorized.
Key takeaway
A strong PTW links the job, hazards, isolations, precautions, responsible roles, work area and validity period. It must be understood in the field, not merely signed.
Control points
Define the job, location and expected duration.
Identify hazards, simultaneous operations and special conditions.
Confirm isolations, lockouts and required pre-job controls.
Define PPE, monitoring, detection and rescue provisions.
Obtain approval from the authorized permit roles.
Recheck conditions at start and after significant interruption.
Close the permit once work and restoration are confirmed.
Common mistakes
Frequently asked questions
What work needs a Permit to Work?
It depends on the site system. Hot work, confined space, line breaking, excavation, electrical work and work at height are commonly controlled by permits.
Does PTW replace a JSA?
No. They are complementary: a JSA examines task risk while PTW controls authorization and execution conditions.
When should a permit be suspended?
When critical conditions change, an alarm or emergency occurs, work is interrupted under site rules, or the permit limits are no longer met.