Work Permits
A work permit or work permit system aims to ensure all risks and hazards associated with an extreme or hazardous task, have been considered and evaluated fully before the task commences.
More than an authorisation to undertake the task, a permit to work describes how the task can be carried out safely when former control measures are not practical or suitable. Furthermore, a work permit must include:
- All identified hazards and risk assessments;
- Special precautions;
- All control methods that will be implemented throughout the task;
- A list of all safeguards;
- Lockout procedures; and
- Fitting of danger tags.
Under the Work Health and Safety Act 2011, a Person Conducting a Business or Undertaking (PCBU) must effectively control risks associated with workplace hazards via a documented safe work system and or work permit system.
Typically, outside contractors perform high risk work and will manage the work permit system and work permit themselves – if however, you manage and control any of the high risk work tasks within your workplace, a work permit must be issued. High risk work tasks include, but are not limited to:
- Asbestos removal;
- Hot works (e.g. welding)
- Confined spaces entry (e.g. a balance tank or underground drainage pit);
- Working at heights (e.g. on top of a filter cell or rooftop);
- Excavations and demolitions.
Learn more about Work Permits – Contact Us
More Information:
- Safe Work Australia – www.safeworkaustralia.gov.au
- CoP Confined Spaces
- CoP Demolition Work
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