Course Outline
Introduction to Permit to Work Systems
• Purpose and importance of permit-to-work systems
• Understanding the difference between a permit to work and a risk assessment
• When a permit may be required
• Types of hazardous work covered by permit systems
• The role of permits in preventing workplace accidents
• Limitations of a permit-to-work system
Roles and Responsibilities
• Responsibilities of the person requesting the work
• Duties of the permit issuer and authorising personnel
• Responsibilities of the permit receiver and work team
• Role of supervisors and health and safety personnel
• Communication between departments, contractors and other affected parties
• Understanding individual responsibilities and authorisation limits
Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment
• Identifying hazards associated with planned work
• Assessing risks before work begins
• Selecting appropriate control measures
• Understanding the relationship between permits, risk assessments and method statements
• Isolation of electrical, mechanical and other energy sources
• Identifying simultaneous activities that could create additional risks
Types of Permit to Work
• Hot work permits
• Confined space entry permits
• Electrical work and isolation permits
• Work at height permits
• Excavation permits
• Maintenance and general work permits
• Understanding when additional permits or specialist procedures may be necessary
Preparing, Issuing and Managing Permits
• Essential information to include in a permit
• Defining the scope, location and duration of the work
• Identifying hazards and required precautions
• Confirming isolations and other safety controls
• Authorisation and approval procedures
• Communicating permit conditions to the work team
• Permit validity, suspension, extension and revalidation
• Coordinating multiple permits and simultaneous operations
Monitoring, Completion and Permit Closure
• Checking that control measures remain effective during work
• Supervisory checks and monitoring compliance with permit conditions
• Responding to changing conditions or unexpected hazards
• Suspending work when conditions become unsafe
• Confirming work is complete and the area is safe
• Removing equipment and reinstating systems safely
• Closing permits and maintaining appropriate records
Practical Scenarios and Final Assessment
• Reviewing examples of completed permits
• Identifying common errors and missing safety information
• Applying permit-to-work principles to workplace scenarios
• Discussing common failures and lessons learned
• Final multiple-choice knowledge assessment
Who the Course Is For
This course is suitable for personnel involved in planning, authorising, supervising or carrying out work controlled by permit-to-work systems, including:
• Health and Safety Officers and Managers
• Facilities and Maintenance Managers
• Engineers and Maintenance Technicians
• Electrical and Mechanical Personnel
• Site Supervisors and Team Leaders
• Contractors and Subcontractors
• Operations and Production Managers
• Permit Issuers and Permit Receivers
• Personnel involved in high-risk maintenance activities
No previous permit-to-work training is required.
Why This Training Is Important
Control of High-Risk Activities
Permit-to-work systems help ensure that hazardous activities are properly planned, authorised and controlled before work begins.
Accident Prevention
Understanding permit requirements helps participants recognise hazards, verify precautions and reduce the likelihood of incidents during maintenance and other high-risk work.
Clear Roles and Responsibilities
Training helps clarify the duties of permit issuers, receivers, supervisors and work teams, supporting effective communication and accountability.
Improved Risk Management
Participants learn how permits work alongside risk assessments, method statements, isolation procedures and other workplace safety controls.
Safer Working Practices
Effective permit management helps organisations coordinate work, respond to changing conditions and maintain appropriate safety controls throughout the task.
Course Objectives
By the end of the course, participants should be able to:
• Explain the purpose of a permit-to-work system.
• Identify work activities that may require a permit.
• Understand the roles and responsibilities of key personnel.
• Recognise hazards associated with high-risk work.
• Understand how permits relate to risk assessments and method statements.
• Identify the key information required on a permit.
• Understand permit authorisation, communication and monitoring procedures.
• Recognise when work should be suspended or a permit reviewed.
• Explain the steps involved in completing and closing a permit.
• Apply permit-to-work principles to common workplace scenarios.
Course Format & Delivery
Delivery Method
• Instructor-led training
• On-site delivery at client premises or at a designated training venue
• Interactive discussions and workplace examples
Assessment
• Multiple-choice knowledge assessment
• Practical examples and scenario-based discussions
Participants who successfully complete the course receive a Samson Training Certificate of Completion.
Irish Legislation Supported
This training supports awareness of relevant Irish workplace health and safety requirements, including:
• Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005 – general employer and employee duties relating to workplace safety.
• Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (General Application) Regulations 2007, as amended – relevant requirements concerning work equipment, electricity and work at height, where applicable to the activity.
• Relevant Health and Safety Authority guidance and organisational safe systems of work.
Permit-to-work requirements depend on the nature of the activity, the risk assessment and applicable legal or site-specific requirements. A permit does not replace the need for a suitable risk assessment, competent personnel or effective safety controls.
Why Choose Samson Training
Samson Training delivers practical workplace safety training designed to help organisations improve risk management and promote safer working practices.
• Practical Learning: Workplace examples and scenarios help participants understand how permit systems operate in real situations.
• Risk-Focused Content: Emphasis on hazard identification, authorisation and effective control measures.
• Clear Responsibilities: Understand the roles of permit issuers, receivers, supervisors and work teams.
• Relevant Workplace Applications: Content can be tailored to the activities and permit procedures used within the organisation.
• Interactive Delivery: Opportunities to discuss practical challenges and common permit-to-work errors.
• Flexible Training: Training can be delivered at client premises or at a designated venue.
FAQ's
What is a Permit to Work system?
A Permit to Work system is a formal procedure used to authorise and control specified hazardous work activities. It records the work to be completed, the hazards involved and the precautions required.
Who should attend this course?
The course is suitable for managers, supervisors, maintenance personnel, contractors and others involved in preparing, issuing, receiving or working under permits.
How long is the course?
The course is designed as a half-day programme, typically lasting three to four hours.
Does the course cover different types of permits?
Yes. It introduces common permit types, including hot work, confined space entry, electrical work, work at height and excavation permits. The topics covered can be tailored to the organisation's needs.
