PERMIT TO WORK FLOW PROCESS: 10 Steps from Request to Closure

 PERMIT TO WORK FLOW PROCESS: 10 Steps from Request to Closure

Permit to Work (PTW) is a formal documented safety system that authorizes specific high-risk work to be carried out under controlled conditions. It ensures hazards are identified, risks are assessed, control measures are applied, and competent persons approve the work before, during, and after execution. Core principle: *No Permit — No Job.*

Skip 1 step = Invite 1 accident.

Hot work, confined space, LOTO, excavation, height – these kill fast if uncontrolled. PTW forces us to *Think → Plan → Control → Verify → Work → Close.*

*The 10-Step Flow:*

1. *Work Request* – Job identified, high-risk work needs permit

2. *Hazard Identification* – HIRA/JSA, review scope & location  

3. *Risk Assessment* – Likelihood vs severity, determine risk level

4. *Control Measures* – Engineering, admin, PPE. LOTO & gas test if needed

5. *Permit Preparation* – Fill form: job details, duration, precautions

6. *Authorization* – Signed by Supervisor/Safety/Area In-charge

7. *Toolbox Talk* – Brief all workers on hazards + permit conditions

8. *Work Execution* – Do job strictly as per permit

9. *Work Completion* – Area cleaned, inspected, job finished safely

10. *Permit Closure* – Cancel permit, sign-off by authority

*Golden Rules*: Permit on site at all times. Never exceed validity. Stop work if conditions change. 

Right Process = Safe Work. 

*Reference of info:*  

- *PTW System*: ISO 45001:2018 Clause 8.1.1, HSE UK _HSG250 Guidance on Permit-to-Work Systems_

- *Risk Assessment*: ISO 31000, IOGP Report 459 _Life Saving Rules_

- *Control Hierarchy*: OSHA 29 CFR 1910.119 Process Safety Management

- *LOTO/Isolation*: OSHA 29 CFR 1910.147, ISO 14118:2017

- *Gas Testing*: NFPA 326, API RP 2219

- *Industry Best Practice*: Oil & Gas UK _PTW Systems Guidance_, Shell HSSE & SP Control Framework