Do You Need a Permit to Work to Enter a Confined Space?

Working in confined spaces presents significant hazards, making safety a paramount concern. One crucial aspect of ensuring safety is understanding whether a permit to work is required before entering a confined space. 

In this article, we will explore what a permit to work is, and when it is necessary for confined space work.

A permit to work is a formal written document which specifies the work to be done and the precautions to be taken. Permits to work can form an essential part of a safe system of work. They allow work to start only after safety procedures have been defined, and they provide a clear record that all foreseeable hazards have been considered.

The HSE and UK Health and Safety legislation define a permit to work in various ways, but the common theme is that it is not just a piece of paper. It is a written system for controlling work that presents significant hazards, even after other risk management procedures have been applied.

The permit to work can form part of a safe system of work required under Section 2 of the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 and the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999, thus making a completed form a legal document. 

Key personnel are required to sign elements of the permit to work to confirm that one or more measures have been put in place to control a hazard which has potential to cause serious harm/death to persons.

The permit to work system will hold individuals responsible/accountable for ensuring that key control measures have been put in place (this could be isolating equipment electrically/mechanically). Persons putting these control measures in place will sign for them.

For more details please also refer to the HSE's Approved Code of Practice (ACOP) 4 of the Confined Space Regulations that further disusses the permit to work procedure.

A permit to work system is unlikely to be needed where, for example:

• The assessed risks are low and can be controlled easily
• The system of work is very simple
• You know that other work activities being carried out cannot affect the safe working in the confined space

If an assessed risk is subsequently eliminated entirely, and there is no foreseeable chance of it recurring, you can consider giving unrestricted entry provided the above conditions apply.

Please note - the decision not to adopt a permit to work system should be taken by a competent person where necessary. This decision should follow consultation with specialists and  should consider the findings of the risk assessment and the need to ensure a safe system of work.

• Description of task to be done
• Description of exact location
• Details of work party and tools to be used
• Details of potential hazards
• Details of precautions given
• Details of protective equipment to be used or worn
• Other persons to be notified / approve
• Time of issue and period of validity
• Signature of person in charge of the work
• Signature of person issuing the permit
• Signature for handover of responsibilities between shifts
• Declaration by person in charge of work that work is complete or incomplete and site has been left in a safe condition
• Signature of person issuing the permit which confirms that site has been checked and that equipment may be reinstated or left safely isolated and that the permit is cancelled

A confined space permit to work system is appropriate, for example:

1. to ensure that the people working in the confined space are aware of the hazards involved and the identity, nature and extent of the work to be carried out;
2. to ensure there is a formal check undertaken confirming elements of a safe system of work are in place. This must take place before people are allowed to enter or work in the confined space;
3. where there is a need to coordinate or exclude, using controlled and formal procedures, other people and their activities where they could affect work or conditions in the confined space;
4. if the work requires the authorisation of more than one person, or there is a time limit on entry. It may also be needed if communications with the outside are other than by direct speech, or if particular respiratory protective and/or personal protective equipment is required.

To implement an effective permit to work system for confined space entry, employers should:

• Conduct a Risk Assessment: Identify all potential hazards and assess the risks associated with the confined space work.
• Develop a Permit to Work Procedure: Establish a clear and comprehensive procedure for issuing, monitoring, and closing permits.
• Train Workers: Ensure that all workers involved in confined space entry are trained in the permit to work system and understand the importance of following the specified safety measures.
• Monitor and Review: Regularly monitor the permit to work system and review it periodically to ensure its effectiveness and make improvements as needed.

A permit to work is an essential tool that provides a structured and systematic approach to ensuring that all safety measures are in place before someone begins working in confined spaces.

For more information on confined space safety and training, visit our website or contact our team of experts at MRS Training and Rescue.