Managing Contractors

A ‘permit to work’ is a more formal system of approval for certain types of activities that may carry a higher risk.

Instructions or procedures are adequate for most work activities, but some require extra care. A 'permit to work' is a more formal approval system, stating exactly what work is to be done and when, and which parts of the work are safe. A competent person should assess the work and check safety at each stage. Contractors undertaking the work must complete the relevant information required for the permit including:

• a description of the works
• who will be carrying out these works
• the equipment and materials that will be used
• the foreseeable hazards that have been noted
• the control measures that will be in place
• Personal Protective Equipment that will be required
• when the work will start, and a timescale to completion.

If you are organising works that may potentially require a permit to work you must contact the person authorising the work (normally Estates and Campus Services or 1st Degree Services) before any work commences to ensure they are satisfied with the arrangements in place. RAMS and any other relevant health and safety documentation will need to be reviewed before the permit is issued.

The types of work that will require a permit to work include:

• entry into confined spaces, closed vessels and vats
• work involving demolition of pipelines, or openings of plant containing steam, ammonia, chlorine hazardous chemicals, vapours, gasses or liquids under pressure
• work on certain electrical systems
• welding and cutting work (except in workshops)
• work in isolated locations or where access is difficult, or at height
• work near, or requiring the use of, highly flammable, explosive, toxic substances
• work causing atmospheric pollution
• pressure testing
• fumigation operations using gases
• ionising radiation works.