--- title: Are free Permit to Work templates fit for purpose? description: You've probably checked out some of the free Permits to Work templates on the internet. A free template is better than nothing but is it good enough? image: https://blog.sgworld.com/hubfs/bigstock-Redhead-man-with-long-beard-we-421807265.jpg --- [![SG World](https://blog.sgworld.com/hs-fs/hubfs/raw_assets/public/SGWorld_December2020/images/sg_world_logo_new_373x208.png?width=1000&height=1043&name=sg_world_logo_new_373x208.png "SG World")](https://www.sgworld.com/) [Login](https://www.sgworld.com/account/login) - For Business - [Contractor Management](https://www.sgworld.com/pages/contractor-management) - [Authorisation To Work Passes](https://www.sgworld.com/products/contractor-authorisation-to-work-passes) - [Customised Authorisation Passes](https://www.sgworld.com/pages/customised-contractor-authorisation-to-work-pass) - [Permits To Work](https://www.sgworld.com/pages/permit-to-work-products) - [5D Contractor Management Software](https://www.sgworld.com/pages/5d-contractor) - [Contractor ID Service](https://www.sgworld.com/pages/id-bureau) - [Visitor Management](https://www.sgworld.com/pages/visitor-management-systems) - [Customised Visitor Pass](https://www.sgworld.com/pages/id-bureau) - [Off The Shelf Visitor Pass](https://www.sgworld.com/collections/off-the-shelf-visitor-pass) - [Touchscreen Software](https://www.sgworld.com/pages/5d-visitor-for-business) - [Staff ID Service](https://www.sgworld.com/pages/id-bureau) - Sector - [Construction](https://www.sgworld.com/pages/construction-industry) - [Food Industry](https://www.sgworld.com/pages/food-processing-safety) - [Logistics](https://www.sgworld.com/pages/logisticswarehouselanding) - [Waste & Recycling](https://www.sgworld.com/pages/waste-recycling-industry) - [ElectIT](https://www.sgworld.com/pages/electit) - Workplace Safety - [Pre-Use Safety Inspections](https://www.sgworld.com/pages/pre-use-daily-inspections) - [Permits To Work](https://www.sgworld.com/pages/permit-to-work-products) - [Key Control](https://www.sgworld.com/products/key-control-system-standard-250-slips) - [Lock Out Tag Out](https://www.sgworld.com/collections/lock-out-tag-out) - 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[Yo-Yos](https://www.sgworld.com/collections/yo-yos) - Safety Signage - [All Safety Signage](https://www.sgworld.com/collections/all-safety-signage) - [Warning & Hazard](https://www.sgworld.com/collections/warning-hazard-safety-signage) - [Construction](https://www.sgworld.com/collections/construction-safety-signage) - [Fire Safety](https://www.sgworld.com/collections/fire-safety-signage) - [Access & Traffic](https://www.sgworld.com/collections/access-traffic-safety-signage) - [Safety Notice Boards](https://www.sgworld.com/pages/site-safety-notice-boards) - [Floor Safety Mats](https://www.sgworld.com/pages/safety-mats) - [Inspection Safety Signage](https://www.sgworld.com/collections/inspection-safety-signage) - 5D Software - [Visitor Management](https://www.sgworld.com/pages/5d-visitor) - [For Business](https://www.sgworld.com/pages/5d-visitor-for-business) - [For Schools](https://www.sgworld.com/pages/5d-visitor-for-schools) - [Contractor Management](https://www.sgworld.com/pages/5d-contractor) - [Asset Management](https://www.sgworld.com/pages/5d-asset) - [For Business](https://www.sgworld.com/pages/5d-asset-for-business) - [For Schools](https://www.sgworld.com/pages/5d-asset-for-schools) - [Accident & Incident Reporting](https://www.sgworld.com/pages/5d-accident-incident-reporting) - [About Us](https://www.sgworld.com/pages/why-sgworld) - Resources - [Blog](https://blog.sgworld.com/) - [Permits To Work Library](https://www.sgworld.com/pages/permit-to-work-information) - [Pre-Use Inspection Library](https://www.sgworld.com/pages/pre-use-safety-inspections) - [School Accident and Incident Reporting](https://www.sgworld.com/pages/school-accident-reporting) - [School Asset Management Library](https://www.sgworld.com/pages/school-asset-management) - [Visitor Management Library](https://www.sgworld.com/pages/visitor-management) - [Free Poster Library](https://www.sgworld.com/pages/workplace-safety-posters) [Login](https://www.sgworld.com/account/login) - For Business - [Contractor Management](https://www.sgworld.com/pages/contractor-management) - [Authorisation To Work Passes](https://www.sgworld.com/products/contractor-authorisation-to-work-passes) - [Customised Authorisation Passes](https://www.sgworld.com/pages/customised-contractor-authorisation-to-work-pass) - [Permits To Work](https://www.sgworld.com/pages/permit-to-work-products) - [5D Contractor Management Software](https://www.sgworld.com/pages/5d-contractor) - [Contractor ID Service](https://www.sgworld.com/pages/id-bureau) - [Visitor Management](https://www.sgworld.com/pages/visitor-management-systems) - [Customised Visitor Pass](https://www.sgworld.com/pages/id-bureau) - [Off The Shelf Visitor Pass](https://www.sgworld.com/collections/off-the-shelf-visitor-pass) - [Touchscreen Software](https://www.sgworld.com/pages/5d-visitor-for-business) - [Staff ID Service](https://www.sgworld.com/pages/id-bureau) - Sector - [Construction](https://www.sgworld.com/pages/construction-industry) - [Food Industry](https://www.sgworld.com/pages/food-processing-safety) - [Logistics](https://www.sgworld.com/pages/logisticswarehouselanding) - [Waste & Recycling](https://www.sgworld.com/pages/waste-recycling-industry) - [ElectIT](https://www.sgworld.com/pages/electit) - Workplace Safety - [Pre-Use Safety Inspections](https://www.sgworld.com/pages/pre-use-daily-inspections) - [Permits To Work](https://www.sgworld.com/pages/permit-to-work-products) - [Key Control](https://www.sgworld.com/products/key-control-system-standard-250-slips) - [Lock Out Tag Out](https://www.sgworld.com/collections/lock-out-tag-out) - [Near Miss Report Book](https://www.sgworld.com/products/near-miss-report-book) - Accessories - [Armbands](https://www.sgworld.com/collections/armbands) - [Clips](https://www.sgworld.com/collections/clips) - [Lanyards](https://www.sgworld.com/pages/lanyards) - [Lanyo-yos](https://www.sgworld.com/collections/lanyo-yos) - [Stationery](https://www.sgworld.com/pages/corporate-stationery) - [Wallets](https://www.sgworld.com/pages/corporate-stationery) - [Wristbands](https://www.sgworld.com/pages/wristbands) - [Writing Boards](https://www.sgworld.com/collections/writing-boards) - [Yo-Yos](https://www.sgworld.com/collections/yo-yos) - [For Education](https://www.sgworld.com/pages/education) - Safeguarding & Pupil Welfare - [Authorised Absence](https://www.sgworld.com/pages/authorised-absence) - [Incident Reporting](https://www.sgworld.com/pages/school-incident-reporting) - [Latecomers Registration](https://www.sgworld.com/products/latecomers-registration-high-school-packs-of-250) - [Medicine Administration](https://www.sgworld.com/pages/customised-medicine-administration-in-schools-record-book) - [Toilet & Continence Record Book](https://www.sgworld.com/pages/customised-toilet-and-continence-record-book) - [Visitor Management](https://www.sgworld.com/pages/school-visitor-management-systems) - [Customised Visitor Pass](https://www.sgworld.com/pages/customised-school-visitor-pass) - [Off The Shelf Visitor Pass](https://www.sgworld.com/collections/off-the-shelf-visitor-pass) - [Touchscreen Software](https://www.sgworld.com/pages/4dvisitor-for-schools) - [Staff ID Service](https://www.sgworld.com/pages/id-bureau) - [Contractor Management](https://www.sgworld.com/pages/contractor-management) - [Authorisation To Work Passes](https://www.sgworld.com/products/contractor-authorisation-to-work-passes) - [Customised Authorisation Passes](https://www.sgworld.com/pages/customised-contractor-authorisation-to-work-pass) - [Permits To Work](https://www.sgworld.com/pages/5d-contractor) - [5D Contractor Management Software](https://www.sgworld.com/pages/contractor-management-software) - [Contractor ID Service](https://www.sgworld.com/pages/id-bureau) - Administration & Finance - [Asset Management Software](https://www.sgworld.com/pages/asset-management) - [Cheques](https://www.sgworld.com/pages/cheque-landing-page) - [Cash Collection Envelope](https://www.sgworld.com/products/school-cash-collection-envelopes-packs-of-1000) - [Good Received System](https://www.sgworld.com/products/goods-received-system-packs-of-250) - [Message & Absence Notebook](https://www.sgworld.com/products/school-telephone-message-and-absence-notification-system-pad-of-120) - [School Receipt Pad](https://www.sgworld.com/products/school-receipt-pad-packs-of-5) - Accessories - [Armbands](https://www.sgworld.com/collections/armbands) - [Clips](https://www.sgworld.com/collections/clips) - [Lanyards](https://www.sgworld.com/pages/lanyards) - [Lanyo-yos](https://www.sgworld.com/collections/lanyo-yos) - [Wallets](https://www.sgworld.com/collections/wallets) - [Wristbands](https://www.sgworld.com/pages/wristbands) - [Writing Boards](https://www.sgworld.com/collections/writing-boards) - [Yo-Yos](https://www.sgworld.com/collections/yo-yos) - Safety Signage - [All Safety Signage](https://www.sgworld.com/collections/all-safety-signage) - [Warning & Hazard](https://www.sgworld.com/collections/warning-hazard-safety-signage) - [Construction](https://www.sgworld.com/collections/construction-safety-signage) - [Fire Safety](https://www.sgworld.com/collections/fire-safety-signage) - [Access & Traffic](https://www.sgworld.com/collections/access-traffic-safety-signage) - [Safety Notice Boards](https://www.sgworld.com/pages/site-safety-notice-boards) - [Floor Safety Mats](https://www.sgworld.com/pages/safety-mats) - [Inspection Safety Signage](https://www.sgworld.com/collections/inspection-safety-signage) - 5D Software - [Visitor Management](https://www.sgworld.com/pages/5d-visitor) - [For Business](https://www.sgworld.com/pages/5d-visitor-for-business) - [For Schools](https://www.sgworld.com/pages/5d-visitor-for-schools) - [Contractor Management](https://www.sgworld.com/pages/5d-contractor) - [Asset Management](https://www.sgworld.com/pages/5d-asset) - [For Business](https://www.sgworld.com/pages/5d-asset-for-business) - [For Schools](https://www.sgworld.com/pages/5d-asset-for-schools) - [Accident & Incident Reporting](https://www.sgworld.com/pages/5d-accident-incident-reporting) - [About Us](https://www.sgworld.com/pages/why-sgworld) - Resources - [Blog](https://blog.sgworld.com/) - [Permits To Work Library](https://www.sgworld.com/pages/permit-to-work-information) - [Pre-Use Inspection Library](https://www.sgworld.com/pages/pre-use-safety-inspections) - [School Accident and Incident Reporting](https://www.sgworld.com/pages/school-accident-reporting) - [School Asset Management Library](https://www.sgworld.com/pages/school-asset-management) - [Visitor Management Library](https://www.sgworld.com/pages/visitor-management) - [Free Poster Library](https://www.sgworld.com/pages/workplace-safety-posters) August 20, 2021 Lisa Robinson # Are free Permit to Work templates fit for purpose? ![bigstock-Redhead-man-with-long-beard-we-421807265](https://blog.sgworld.com/hs-fs/hubfs/bigstock-Redhead-man-with-long-beard-we-421807265.jpg?width=1600&name=bigstock-Redhead-man-with-long-beard-we-421807265.jpg)If you are responsible for health and safety, you've probably checked out some of the free Permit to Work templates available on the internet. A generic template is certainly better than nothing, in many instances the 'one size fits all' approach is the right move.  It’s a quick fix which might not be perfect but does most of what you want it to do. However, there are some areas where 'one size fits all' isn’t good enough and, arguably, workplace health & safety is one of them. **One size doesn’t always fit all** There are a whole range of situations where a [Permit to Work](https://www.sgworld.com/pages/permit-to-work-information) is appropriate, Working at Height, Hot Work and Confined Spaces to name a few. These are very different scenarios with high levels of risk and supporting safe ways of working. Having a specific, tailored Permit to Work gives all parties the confidence that all the relevant safety points have been addressed on commencing the work. **Paperwork or paper that works?** A [Permit to Work system](https://www.sgworld.com/collections/permits-to-work) should generate at least two copies, sometimes three. SG World’s unique, triplicate design means the information is only filled in once to create 3 copies – one for the issuer, one for the person undertaking the work and one for the central record. No photocopying required! They are designed in an appropriate colour scheme, making them easy to read in an emergency situation and also include a warning sign on the reverse of one copy for display whilst the job is in progress. **![bigstock-Labor-law-concept-Gavel-with-352516577](https://blog.sgworld.com/hs-fs/hubfs/bigstock-Labor-law-concept-Gavel-with-352516577.jpg?width=1600&name=bigstock-Labor-law-concept-Gavel-with-352516577.jpg)** **Stay up to date with the latest best practice** Permits to Work are not actually legally required documents, however they are widely acknowledged as being best practice for workplace safety. The HSE has produced supporting guidance, HSG250, explaining the purpose of a permit, what it should contain, what colour it should be, how it should be used etc. Over the years SG World have developed our Permit to Work systems to reflect any changes in regulatory guidance and also incorporate the feedback from our large, cross-sector customer base. This means they’ve been effectively designed for Health & Safety professionals by Health and Safety professionals. **Send out a safety message** It’s not easy getting people to follow health and safety procedures and a piece of photocopied A4 paper based on a free template doesn’t convey the same gravitas as a dedicated system which can be branded with your company logo. It tells your workforce that you are investing in your Permit to Work system because you take Health and Safety seriously. **Because you're worth it** OK – SG World aren’t giving away our [Permit to Work solutions](https://www.sgworld.com/collections/permits-to-work) for free. However nearly 10 million permits to work have been issued using our system, in the UK alone, because Health & Safety Managers recognise value for money and a good investment. The popular saying is if you think Health and safety is expensive, try an accident. We can supply a tailored, branded, 3 part Permit to Work system with warning sign for 67p per use, which in this context, is pretty affordable. [![New call-to-action](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/7964242/30ee0628-a49d-41f4-9bca-e051272b96ff.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/7964242/30ee0628-a49d-41f4-9bca-e051272b96ff) ### About Lisa Robinson Lisa - word smith to the gods. ### Latest Reads [Catch SG World at HSM Live Coventry This Week Jun 30, 2026](https://blog.sgworld.com/catch-sg-world-at-hsm-live-coventry-this-week) [Daily Vehicle Lift Safety Checks: PUWER Compliance for Garages Jun 29, 2026](https://blog.sgworld.com/daily-vehicle-lift-safety-checks-puwer-compliance-for-garages) ### Categories - [Health & Safety](https://blog.sgworld.com/topic/health-safety) - [Education Solutions](https://blog.sgworld.com/topic/education-solutions) - [Safety Inspections](https://blog.sgworld.com/topic/safety-inspections) - [Visitor Health and Safety](https://blog.sgworld.com/topic/visitor-health-and-safety) - [Visitor Management](https://blog.sgworld.com/topic/visitor-management) - [Asset Management](https://blog.sgworld.com/topic/asset-management) - [Contractor Management](https://blog.sgworld.com/topic/contractor-management) - [Public Sector News](https://blog.sgworld.com/topic/public-sector-news) - [School Safeguarding](https://blog.sgworld.com/topic/school-safeguarding) - [Permit to work](https://blog.sgworld.com/topic/permit-to-work) - [Case Study](https://blog.sgworld.com/topic/case-study) - [Academies](https://blog.sgworld.com/topic/academies) - [Inventory](https://blog.sgworld.com/topic/inventory) - [Forklifts](https://blog.sgworld.com/topic/forklifts) - [LOTO](https://blog.sgworld.com/topic/loto) - [Visitor touchscreen](https://blog.sgworld.com/topic/visitor-touchscreen) - [5D](https://blog.sgworld.com/topic/5d) - [Construction](https://blog.sgworld.com/topic/construction) - [HSE](https://blog.sgworld.com/topic/hse) - [News](https://blog.sgworld.com/topic/news) ## Follow us [mailto:web-enquiries@sgworld.com](mailto:web-enquiries@sgworld.com) ## Navigate - [Home](https://www.sgworld.com/) - [Search](https://www.sgworld.com/search) ## Contact - [Contact Us](https://www.sgworld.com/pages/contact-us-general) - [Request a Visit](https://www.sgworld.com/pages/arrange-a-visit) - [SG World Around the Globe](https://www.sgworld.com/pages/sgworld-around-the-globe) ## Support - [Software Support](https://www.sgworld.com/pages/support-centre) - [Shipping & Returns](https://www.sgworld.com/pages/shipping-and-returns) ## Legal - [Terms & Conditions](https://www.sgworld.com/pages/terms-and-conditions) - [Cookie & Privacy Policy](https://www.sgworld.com/pages/terms-and-conditions) - [Shipping & Returns](https://www.sgworld.com/pages/shipping-and-returns) Copyright © 2020 SG World. We are open Monday to Friday from 8am to 4pm. Give us a call on 01270 588211 ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@type" : "BlogPosting", "author" : { "@type" : "Person", "name" : "Lisa Robinson", "url" : "https://blog.sgworld.com/author/lisa-robinson" }, "dateModified" : "2021-08-20T10:10:41.355Z", "datePublished" : "2021-08-20T10:10:41.000Z", "headline" : "Are free Permit to Work templates fit for purpose?", "image" : [ "https://blog.sgworld.com/hubfs/bigstock-Redhead-man-with-long-beard-we-421807265.jpg" ], "mainEntityOfPage" : { "@id" : "https://blog.sgworld.com/are-free-permit-to-work-templates-fit-for-purpose", "@type" : "WebPage" }, "publisher" : { "@type" : "Organization", "logo" : { "@type" : "ImageObject", "url" : "https://blog.sgworld.com/hubfs/SG%20World%20Logo%20(002).png" }, "name" : "SG World " } } ```