Permit to Work
A permit to work is a formal authorization confirming that defined hazards, isolations, precautions, responsibilities, and validity conditions are controlled before high-risk work begins.
What this term means in maintenance
A permit to work is a formal authorization confirming that defined hazards, isolations, precautions, responsibilities, and validity conditions are controlled before high-risk work begins.
Why permits are used
A permit to work controls activities where ordinary work instructions are not enough.
Permit types may include:
- Hot work
- Confined-space entry
- Electrical work
- Work at height
- Excavation
- Line breaking
- Radiography
- General maintenance permit
Typical permit information
A permit may include:
- Work scope and location
- Validity period
- Hazards
- Isolations
- Gas-test results
- Personal protective equipment
- Fire protection
- Responsible issuer and receiver
- Shift handover
- Suspension and closure
Practical example
Before welding on a process platform, the team confirms isolation, removes combustible material, performs gas testing, provides fire watch, and authorizes the work for a defined period.
Permit and work order
The work order defines the maintenance job. The permit authorizes the high-risk activity under controlled conditions. One does not replace the other.
Common mistake
Treating a permit as paperwork rather than a field verification can allow work to begin under unsafe conditions.
How this term differs
Permit to Work is the overarching authorization system for defined hazardous work. It is related to Work at Height Permit, Hot Work Permit, and Line Breaking Permit, but these terms describe different records, measures, roles, strategies, or decisions and should not be used interchangeably.
Related concepts
Related maintenance terms
Keep exploring connected CMMS, reliability, and maintenance planning terms.
Lockout Tagout
Lockout tagout, or LOTO, is a controlled process used to isolate hazardous energy and prevent unexpected equipment startup or energy release during work.
Work Order
A work order is an authorized record that defines maintenance work to be performed, including the asset, priority, scope, assignee, instructions, labor, parts, status, and completion evidence.
Audit Trail
An audit trail is a chronological record showing what information or status changed, when it changed, and which authorized user performed the action.
Glossary FAQs
- When is a permit to work required?
It is normally required for defined high-risk activities such as hot work, confined-space entry, electrical work, line breaking, excavation, or work at height.
- Does a work order replace a permit?
No. The work order defines the maintenance job, while the permit authorizes high-risk work under controlled conditions.
- Who closes a permit to work?
Authorized roles should confirm that work is complete, the area is safe, tools and people are clear, and equipment can be returned to service.