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What are the main types of Work Permits

Andy Pritchard | Feb 14, 2022 | 4 min read

TABLE of contents

Permit To Work (PTW) systems help to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and enhance worker safety by requiring project managers to assess potential risks and work through action plans before they execute the work.

A core part of the PTW process is that subject matter experts and shift managers are required to review and approve the project plan before it commences. This phase in the process allows for them to identify potential risks that might not have been considered by the project manager.

There are 6 main types of Work Permits.

Work Permit Types

Hot Work

Hot Work Permits are used when the work may involve potential fire hazards, sources of ignition, combustible and/or flammable materials. Examples of hot work include: welding, cutting, grinding, flame cutting, drilling, soldering, brazing, torch-applied roofing, etc.

Cold Work

Cold Work Permits are essentially a catch all for potentially hazardous and non-standardized work that is not covered by the other permit types. Use a cold work permit if the work will not produce sufficient heat or energy to ignite flammable materials but could still contribute to injury. Examples include chemical cleaning or the use of solvents, handling of hazardous substances (e.g., toxic/corrosive chemicals, asbestos, etc.) and activities like painting, heavy lifting or scaffolding.

Electrical

Electrical Work Permits are used when energized electrical conductors are involved in the project, including telecommunications equipment, live electrical equipment or the use of unapproved electrical devices (e.g., computers, borescopes, and cellular phones) in a classified area.

Confined Space

Confined Space Work Permits is used when the project includes entry and investigation into a confined space, like a trench, tank or other type of vessel. Typically this work permit is combined with another permit that outlines the specific work that needs to be done, such as electrical, hot or cold work. Confined Space Work Permits cover off requirements and considerations around proper preparation of the confined space, safe entry, rescue plans and restoration when the project is completed.

Breaking Containment

Breaking Containment Work Permits are for projects that could include the release of hazardous liquids or gasses. This is typically used in the oil and gas industry, where exposure to hazardous liquids and gasses is more likely to occur. This permit is usually combined with other permits that outlines the nature of the work to be completed.

Working at Heights

The Working At Heights Permit to Work allows you and your contractor to consider and record all the hazards connected with the work they are going to conduct along with the necessary precautions that must be taken.