Permit to work and safe systems of work

Control high-risk work through clear permits, isolation and handovers.

Many serious incidents happen during maintenance and non-routine work. This programme explains how permit to work systems control high-risk tasks, the roles of issuers and receivers, isolation and lock out, and safe handovers between shifts.

Who it is for: Supervisors, permit issuers and receivers, maintenance and contractor teams.

Duration: 1–3 days. Group size: up to 25. Format: on-site, virtual or blended, and online.

What it covers

• Why permit systems exist
• Types of permits
• Isolation and lock out
• Handovers and closing permits

Outcomes

• Everyone understands their role in the permit to work system, from issuer to worker.
• Isolation and lock-out practices become safer and more consistent.
• Permits are handed over clearly between shifts and teams.

Modules

• Why permits matter: High-risk work, Lessons from incidents, Safe systems of work
• The permit process: Types of permits, Roles and responsibilities, Risk assessment
• Isolation: Energy sources, Lock out tag out, Verification
• Handover and close: Shift handovers, Suspending permits, Closing safely

Tools and takeaways

• Permit roles chart
• Isolation checklist
• Lock out tag out steps
• Toolbox talk template
• Permit audit form

Contact OPDEV · ask@opdev.org · London, England (WhatsApp +44 7440 585456) · Lahore, Pakistan (WhatsApp +92 328 2888978)