Managing High-Risk Work Permits in Construction
Streamline permit-to-work systems for hot work, confined spaces, and other high-risk activities with SmartFormTools digital permits.
The problem we see every week
High-risk work permits are critical safety controls, but paper-based systems create delays, lose documentation, and fail to ensure proper sign-offs. Digital permit systems improve safety and efficiency.
Understanding Permit-to-Work Systems
A permit-to-work (PTW) system is a formal written system that authorises certain work to be performed only after specific precautions have been verified. Common construction permits include hot work, confined space entry, energised electrical work, and excavation permits.
The permit ensures that hazards have been identified, controls are in place, and all parties understand their responsibilities. It is a critical last line of defence for high-risk activities.
Common Permit Types in Construction
Different high-risk activities require specific permit types with tailored precautions. SmartFormTools includes templates for all common construction permit types, configurable to your site requirements.
- Hot Work Permit: Welding, cutting, grinding near combustibles
- Confined Space Entry Permit: Tanks, pits, manholes, excavations
- Electrical Work Permit: Work on or near energised equipment
- Excavation Permit: Trenching, digging, ground penetration
- Working at Heights Permit: Scaffold, elevated platforms, roof work
- Lift Plan Permit: Crane lifts, rigging operations
Paper Permits vs Digital Permits
Paper permits seem simple but create significant problems: permits get lost, sign-offs are illegible, expired permits continue in use, and supervisors cannot see permit status across the site.
SmartFormTools digital permits solve these issues with automated workflows, electronic signatures, time-bounded validity, and real-time visibility.
- Paper: Lost or damaged permits leave no record
- Paper: Signature authenticity and timing unverifiable
- Paper: Expired permits difficult to track across site
- Digital: Complete audit trail with timestamped signatures
- Digital: Automatic expiry and renewal notifications
- Digital: Real-time dashboard showing all active permits
SmartFormTools Permit Workflow
The permit workflow in SmartFormTools follows best practice: request, authorise, issue, work, and close. Each stage requires appropriate sign-offs, and permits cannot progress without completing required precautions.
Mobile access means permits can be requested from the field, authorised by supervisors remotely, and closed when work completes—all with full documentation.
- Request: Worker or supervisor initiates permit with work details
- Authorise: Authorising person verifies precautions and approves
- Issue: Permit becomes active with defined validity period
- Work: Permit holder displays permit at work location
- Close: Work complete, area restored, permit formally closed
Integration with Safety Management
Permits do not exist in isolation. SmartFormTools links permits to SWMS documents, JSAs, and risk assessments. When a confined space permit is issued, the associated SWMS and rescue plan are automatically attached.
Permit data feeds into safety dashboards, showing high-risk work activity across projects and identifying trends or concerns.
- Link permits to SWMS, JSAs, and risk assessments
- Attach rescue plans and emergency procedures
- Dashboard visibility of high-risk work across projects
- Analytics on permit frequency, duration, and incidents
Key takeaways
- Permit-to-work systems are essential controls for high-risk construction activities.
- Digital permits eliminate the reliability problems of paper systems.
- Integration with SWMS and JSAs ensures comprehensive safety documentation.
Next steps
Digitise your permit-to-work system with SmartFormTools. Start your free trial—no credit card needed.
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