Permit to Work: When is a Simple Risk Assessment Not Enough?          

         
           


In the world of workplace safety, "risk assessment" is a term everyone knows. But for more hazardous activities, a standard risk assessment is only the beginning. To truly control the danger, you need a formal Permit to Work (PTW) system. But when do you need to move beyond a risk assessment and implement a full permit?

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Understanding the Difference between a Risk Assessment and a Permit to Work

A Risk Assessment identifies potential hazards and evaluates the risks involved in a task. It's a foundational step for almost any work activity.

A Permit to Work System, however, is a formal, documented control process. It doesn't just identify the risk; it confirms that all safety precautions have been completed, authorises a specific person to do a specific job at a specific time, and ensures a safe handover once the work is complete. It is, as the HSE describes it, a core part of a 'safe system of work'.

 

When is a Permit to Work Essential?


You should always use a PTW system for non-routine, high-risk work. While every site is different, this typically includes:

○     Hot Work: Any task involving open flames, welding, or creating sources of ignition in areas where flammable materials could be present. A PTW ensures fire watches are in place and combustible materials are cleared.

○     Confined Space Entry: Working in enclosed areas like tanks, pits, or sewers poses risks from dangerous fumes and lack of oxygen. A PTW is vital for confirming atmospheric testing, isolation, and rescue plans are in place.

○     Working at Height: This includes work on scaffolding, fragile roofs, or near openings where a fall could cause serious injury. A PTW ensures anchor points are checked, equipment is inspected, and fall arrest systems are used correctly.

○     Electrical Work: For tasks involving isolation of high-voltage equipment, a PTW provides a formal record that circuits have been de-energised, locked-off, and proven dead before work commences.

A risk assessment tells you something is dangerous. A Permit to Work system is the tool you use to control that danger from start to finish.


If your teams perform any of these high-risk tasks, a formal, auditable PTW system isn't just best practice—it's an essential part of your legal duty of care.

Explore SG World's range of duplicate-copy Permit to Work systems to ensure you have a clear, reliable process for every high-risk job.

         
Andrew Baxter

About Andrew Baxter

Hi, I’m Andrew Baxter, Business Development Manager at SG World. I’m all about helping organisations stay safe and compliant without overcomplicating things. I work closely with businesses to understand their specific challenges around safety and compliance, then help them put practical, easy-to-use systems in place that do the job and tick all the right boxes. My goal is to make safety processes straightforward, effective, and something teams actually want to use.

         
                     
         
                       
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