This Permit to Work (Hot Work, Confined Space, Height) SOP (Safe Operating Procedure) gives workers a clear method for requesting, completing, using and closing out a permit to work for hot work, confined space entry and work at height. It covers confirming when a permit is needed, attaching a SWMS or JSA, briefing standby persons and fire watches, verifying isolations, atmospheric testing, fall protection, monitoring conditions and returning the permit at close-out. It's written by WHS specialists, aligned to Australian WHS legislation, and fully editable in Microsoft Word.
 
Who it's for
Manufacturers and processing plants
Maintenance and engineering contractors
Mining, quarrying and resources sites
Food, grain and agricultural processors
Facility and building maintenance teams
Fire watches, standby persons and spotters
 
Use it to
Train and induct workers in exactly how you expect the task to be done
Keep a clear reference at the machine, in the vehicle or on site
Record competency with the built-in sign-off
Show clients, insurers and auditors your safe work methods are written down
 
What this SOP covers
Fire or explosion from hot work igniting combustibles or flammable atmospheres
Burns, eye injury or fume from welding, cutting, grinding or brazing
Oxygen deficient or enriched atmospheres in confined spaces
Toxic, flammable or asphyxiating gases, vapours or dusts
Engulfment by grain, powder, liquid or free-flowing solids
Difficulty evacuating or rescuing someone from a confined space
Falls from height
Being struck by falling tools, materials or debris
Contact with plant, services or energy sources that aren't isolated
Working without supervision, communication or rescue arrangements
 
What's included
7 pre-operational checks, from confirming a permit is needed and who issues it to the SWMS or JSA, lead time, competency, briefing everyone involved and sign-off
A 10-step operating procedure covering checking and displaying the permit, hot work, confined space and height controls, staying within scope, monitoring and close-out
Isolation and energy control for verifying and signing off permit isolations for hot work, confined spaces and work at height
6 shutdown, housekeeping and post-operation steps
Emergency actions for fires, atmosphere alarms, collapses, falls and confined space rescue
PPE checklist and a list of related documents
Competency acknowledgement and worker sign-off
Space for your logo, SOP number, version and review dates
 
Why use this template
Saves hours compared with writing an SOP from a blank page
Written as clear, numbered steps that workers can follow on the job
Fully editable, so you can match it to your equipment, site and how your team works
The competency sign-off gives you a training record from day one
 
How it works
Buy online and download straight away. You'll also get an email with your link.
Add your logo, company name, SOP number and dates.
Check it suits your equipment and site, and edit anything you need to.
Train your workers and have them sign the competency acknowledgement.
 
Need more than one SOP?
This SOP is also included in the Ultimate Building & Construction SOP Bundle. At $197 for the whole bundle, it works out much cheaper than buying SOPs one at a time.
 
Common questions
Does it cover who can issue permits?
No. It covers the practical steps for workers using a permit. Who may issue or authorise permits and how the permit system is governed sit in your organisation's Permit to Work procedure.
Can workers enter a confined space to rescue someone?
No, not unless they're trained and equipped for confined space rescue. The SOP directs workers to raise the alarm and call emergency services.
Does it include the isolation steps for specific plant?
No. It covers confirming the isolations required by the permit are verified and signed off. The isolation steps for specific equipment are in the relevant plant- or task-specific SOP.
Can I change it?
Yes. It's a Microsoft Word file, so you can add, remove or change any step, check or hazard, and add your own logo and details.
Does it suit my state?
Yes. It's written to the model WHS laws and suits all states and territories, including Victoria under the OHS Act and Regulations.
What if it doesn't suit my work?
You're covered by our 30-day money-back guarantee if it isn't fit for purpose.