Permit to work in construction: types, template and when you need one
Some activities are so high risk that a RAMS alone is not enough: the work must be formally authorised, checked and handed back. That is the job of a permit to work. Here is when you need one and what it must contain.
What is a permit to work?
A permit to work is a formal written system used to control high-risk work. It confirms that the hazards have been identified, precautions are in place, the right people are involved and the area is made safe again before normal work resumes. HSE's guidance on permit-to-work systems (HSG250) describes good practice.
Is a permit to work a legal requirement?
The law requires you to control risks; a permit-to-work system is one of the main ways to do that for high-risk activities. Some regulations, such as the Confined Spaces Regulations 1997, require a safe system of work that in practice includes a permit. Most principal contractors make permits mandatory for the activities below.
Common permit types on construction sites
| Permit | Typical use | Key precautions |
|---|---|---|
| Hot works | Welding, cutting, grinding, torch-on roofing | Remove combustibles, fire watch during and after, extinguishers, checks after completion |
| Confined space entry | Manholes, tanks, voids, chambers | Atmosphere testing, ventilation, trained team, rescue plan |
| Excavation / permit to dig | Breaking ground near buried services | Service drawings, cable avoidance tool scan, trial holes, support of sides |
| Work at height / roof access | Fragile roofs, edges, MEWPs | Edge protection, fall arrest, exclusion zones, rescue plan |
| Electrical isolation | Work on or near electrical systems | Safe isolation, lock-off, proving dead, authorised persons |
What a permit must contain
- Permit number, location and exact description of the work.
- Hazards identified and the precautions and isolations required.
- Reference to the RAMS and any COSHH assessments.
- PPE and equipment required, gas test results where relevant.
- Validity period, usually one shift, with conditions for extension.
- Signatures: issuer (authorises), receiver (accepts and briefs the team).
- Handback and cancellation: work complete, area safe, isolations removed.
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How the permit process works
- The contractor requests a permit, with RAMS.
- The issuer inspects the area and confirms the precautions.
- The receiver signs, briefs the team and displays the permit at the workplace.
- Work is monitored; if conditions change, work stops and the permit is reviewed.
- At the end, the permit is handed back and cancelled.
Common mistakes
- Permits signed in the office without inspecting the area.
- Open-ended permits valid for days or weeks.
- No fire watch after hot works.
- Permit not linked to the RAMS for the task.
FAQ
When is a permit to work needed?
For high-risk activities where normal controls are not enough, such as hot works, confined space entry, breaking ground near services, work on fragile roofs and electrical work. Principal contractors usually list the activities that need permits in the construction phase plan.
Who can issue a permit to work?
A competent, authorised person nominated by the principal contractor or employer, who understands the hazards and checks the area before issuing the permit.
How long is a permit to work valid?
Usually for a single shift or a defined period. If the work continues, conditions change or the team changes, the permit should be reviewed and reissued.
Does a permit replace RAMS?
No. The RAMS describe how the work will be done safely; the permit authorises it to start at a specific time and place once the precautions are confirmed.
This article is general guidance, not legal advice. Documents must be reviewed by a competent person and reflect the actual site and work. Sources: HSE, Guidance on permit-to-work systems (HSG250); Confined Spaces Regulations 1997; Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015; HSE guidance on excavations and buried services (HSG47).