Permit to Work Course Objective:

This course covers the requirements applicable to a permit to work, in terms of:

• hot work;
• cold work;
• confined space entry, and
• lockout systems in a work area.

A permit to work (PTW) within the context of the Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Act is crucial for several reasons:

1. Risk Management: It serves as a formal method to assess and manage the risks associated with specific work activities, particularly those that are hazardous or non-routine.
2. Legal Compliance: The permit helps ensure that the work is compliant with OHS regulations, protecting both employees and employers.
3. Communication Tool: It acts as a communication tool between various levels of an organization, ensuring that all parties are aware of the work being carried out and the safety measures in place.
4. Preventative Measure: By requiring a permit, it forces the planning and review of the task at hand, which can prevent accidents and incidents in the workplace.
5. Accountability: It establishes clear accountability for those performing and supervising the work, ensuring that safety protocols are followed.
6. Safety Culture: The process of issuing a permit reinforces a culture of safety and encourages a proactive approach to hazard identification and risk reduction.

In essence, the PTW system is a key part of ensuring that high-risk work is done safely and in compliance with safety standards, which is a fundamental aspect of the OHS Act. It’s a critical step in safeguarding the well-being of workers and the integrity of the workplace.

Permit to Work Course Outcomes:

SAQA unit standard 120359 aligned.

• PTW requirements;
• Policies and procedures relating to PTW;
• Method to cancel authorization for maintenance on equipment;
• Method used for the return of equipment to service;
• Confined Space Entry permits;
• Responsibilities of the issuer and the receiver;
• Hand over of the permit on completion of work.

SAQA unit standard 9964 aligned:

• Hazards and risks in the workplace
• Control measures related to hazards and risks
• Emergency preparedness
• Selection and maintenance of PPE;
• Incident / Illness reporting procedures.