Good afternoon,

Before someone comes on site to carry out some work for us they must send us: Insurance details, RAMS, training certificates, methoad of statements, risk assessment, etc for the specific job that they will be doing. I was told we should be issuing an " Authorization to carry out work" and not a Permit to work...Dont know what is the diference...it seems the same to me... Please advise. Thank you!

Edited by user 22 January 2025 13:22:36(UTC)  | Reason: add that I dont now the diference between the two

Hello,

In my opinion the Authorization Permits grants permission for a task but does not ensure all health and safety requirements are addressed. In contrast, the Permit to Work (PTW) is a detailed system ensuring all risks are identified, and controls are in place for safe execution of high-risk tasks.

Another issue is risk of misuse; confusion between the two permits can lead to workers bypassing the PTW system, relying solely on the authorization permit, which may lack critical safety measures. This can result in unsafe working conditions. Therefore both permits should have distinct control systems,  and function as separate control systems. The PTW serves as a robust safety framework, while the authorization permit complements it by granting operational approval.

I suggest to keep clear communication and distinction between these permits, as they are essential to ensure compliance and maintain a safe work environment. The PTW must always be prioritized for hazardous activities.