Permits to Work

Permit to Work — Crane and Lifting Operations

The Crane and Lifting Operations Permit authorises individual lifting operations and confirms that a lift plan has been prepared, equipment has valid thorough examination certificates, and exclusion zones have been established. It records the appointed person, slinger/signaller details, load weight, and radius. Every crane lift must be covered by a specific permit referencing the approved lift plan.

LOLER 1998

Permit to Work — Electrical Isolation

The Electrical Isolation Permit controls work on or near electrical systems by confirming that circuits have been isolated, locked off, and proved dead before work commences. It records the isolation points, lock-out/tag-out details, and the competent person who verified the dead state. Re-energisation must only occur after all personnel are clear and the permit is formally cancelled.

Electricity at Work Regs 1989

Permit to Work — Excavation and Permit to Dig

The Excavation and Permit to Dig authorises ground-breaking works and requires confirmation that underground service scans (CAT and Genny) have been completed, service drawings reviewed, and trial holes dug where necessary. It covers trench support, edge protection, safe access, and daily inspections by a competent person. The permit must be issued before any mechanical or hand excavation begins.

MHSWR 1999

Permit to Work — Fire System Isolation

The Fire System Isolation Permit controls the temporary disablement of fire alarm zones, sprinkler systems, or smoke ventilation during construction activities such as hot works or dust-generating tasks. It requires compensatory fire safety measures including additional fire patrols, portable detection, and notification to the building fire manager. Systems must be reinstated and tested as soon as the activity is complete.

RRO 2005

Permit to Work — Hot Works

The Hot Works Permit authorises welding, cutting, grinding, and any activity that generates sparks or open flames on a construction site. It mandates combustible material clearance, fire extinguisher provision, and a fire watch for a minimum period after works cease. The permit is time-limited and must be reissued for each shift or change of location.

MHSWR 1999 / Fire Regs

Permit to Work — Radiography

The Radiography Permit authorises the use of ionising radiation sources for weld inspection or structural testing on construction sites. It mandates controlled and supervised area boundaries, exclusion zone barriers, radiation warning signage, and dose monitoring for classified workers. Work must be carried out by an approved Radiation Protection Supervisor in accordance with the site radiation risk assessment.

IRR 2017

Permit to Work — Temporary Works

The Temporary Works Permit authorises the loading and striking of temporary works such as propping, formwork, and falsework in accordance with BS 5975. It confirms that the design has been checked, the installation inspected by the temporary works coordinator, and the structure is safe to load. No temporary works may be loaded or removed without a signed permit.

BS 5975

Permit Handback and Close-Out Record

The Permit Handback and Close-Out Record formally cancels a permit to work and confirms that the work area has been left in a safe condition. It records confirmation that all tools and materials have been removed, isolations have been reinstated, fire watches completed, and the area inspected before handback. This document provides an auditable trail that the permitted activity has been safely concluded.

HSE Guidance

Permit to Work — Generic

The Generic Permit to Work provides a formal written system for controlling high-risk activities on construction sites. It ensures that authorised personnel have assessed the hazards, implemented controls, and communicated the safe system of work before an activity begins. The permit must be signed by both the issuer and the permit holder and displayed at the work location.

MHSWR 1999 / HSE Guidance

Permit to Work — Lone Working

The Lone Working Permit authorises an individual to work alone on site and confirms that a risk assessment has been completed, communication checks are scheduled at regular intervals, and emergency procedures are in place. It restricts the types of activities permitted during lone working and records the check-in protocol and escalation contacts.

MHSWR 1999

Permit to Work — Night Works

The Night Works Permit authorises construction activities outside normal working hours, confirming that adequate temporary lighting, welfare facilities, emergency arrangements, and supervision are in place. It records the specific tasks permitted, noise restrictions applicable under local authority consents, and fatigue management measures for night-shift workers.

MHSWR 1999

Permit to Work — Roof Access

The Roof Access Permit authorises personnel to access roof areas and confirms that fragile surface assessments have been completed, edge protection or harness systems are in place, and weather conditions are acceptable. It identifies safe access routes, demarcation of fragile areas, and any restrictions on the number of workers permitted on the roof at one time.

WAH Regs 2005

Permit to Work — Working at Height

The Working at Height Permit authorises tasks performed at elevation where a risk of falling exists, confirming that access equipment has been inspected, edge protection is in place, and a rescue plan has been established. It records the specific work area, equipment to be used, and competency of operatives. The permit supplements the RAMS and ensures site management oversight of height-related activities.

WAH Regs 2005