Hi,

I started with my new company at turn of the year and have alot of issues to deal with at present. One major area is the implementation of a workable contractor mgt procedure. I have redesigned the procedure, introduced training for managers (Hiring and managing Contractor) and an H&S contractor Induction training course with Handbook of rules and procedures. I also introduced an assessment questionnaire to collect information on contractors H&S mgt system, training and provision of H&S competency which is all must be provided and reviewed before any contractor is permitted to work on site.

On of the controls used by previous H&S system was for a General Permit to Work for all contractors on site. This is general permit covering a wide range of issues. Now my opinion is that acts as nothing more than a 'paper' exercise with very little benefit. But i have no previous experience of using General Permit to Work so I thought i'd seek other opinions or experience on this system.

Thanks,

Agree with Steve - diffficult to comment without seeing the site or document lay out.

I also dont see them as a "paper exercise". One of the benefits is that if the GPTW is issued by the area manager or supervisor, he is being made aware of any contractors coming into his area, and he is already aware of any works already in progress, so is aware and can manage any "conflicting work processes in his area. Ensure that sign off procedure is followed though!

From my experience though, for specific higher risk work such as WAH, Confined space entry, hot work etc, there should be a specific stand alone permit.

David.

Thanks for your replies. We are a manufacturing factory with various activities such as machinery/equipt servicing; general maitenance of building fabrics and structures, maintenance tasks, silos and vats repairs and cleaning, deliveries of product and substances; etc.

We have task specific Permit to works to cover high risk activities, e.g. confined space, electrical works, working at height, breaking into lines, etc.

In my opinion the if we ensure only approved contractors are used, all contractors are inducted and sign off on company rules, risk assessments and method statements submitted and approved for their works and the contractor managed on site by designated site contact and issued PTW for any high risk activity then I do not see the need for another General Permit to Work document to be issued.

But I certainly appreciate any advice.

general or specific permits are only any good/use if they are managed - a general PTW can be useful as its sets a standard for all but it needs to be enforced