Work Permit – Basic Characteristics of Permits

Work Permit – Basic Characteristics of Permits

• Clear and complete description or work to be done : allow anyone to identify all the work being carried out in a given area at a time. The permit should be readily available to those on the job site (e.g. clearly displayed on the job site.)
• Unique: only one permit for a given piece of equipment. The permit must have a unique identifier (e.g. a serial number).
• Have a single Acceptor. If multiple functions are involved, each function should countersign the permit, signifying that they understand all terms of the permit.
• Define a limited period of validity. This would end when:
  • Defined work is complete (as agreed by issuer and acceptor).
  • Work outside the scope of original permit is required.
  • Circumstances arise which invalidate original risk assessment.
  • The permit validity period is exceeded (Normally, permits should be renewed daily at a minimum).

If the work isn’t finished at the end of permits validity, the current state of the equipment is to be recorded on the permit, prior to returning it to the issuing authority.

• All known hazards (residual chemicals, high voltage, fire hazards, confined space etc) that could reasonably be foreseen.
• The precautions to be taken to address these hazards (PPE required, fire watch, oxygen or LEL monitor), as well any other special preventative measures (lockout/tagout list of isolations etc.)