Confined Spaces 

Section 5   Documentation and Control

The  Block  Permit to Work must not be issued for a period longer than 

six days or until the end of the working week. 

5.3.9  

The Authorised Person is to ensure that, where appropriate: 

n 

the Authorised Persons' Line Manager is informed of the proposed 

work and any loss of service 

n 

permission for the intended task has been obtained from the Property 

Manager and the person responsible for the day to day operation of 

the facility affected by the intended work. 

5.3.10 

Before signing Part 1 of the Permit to Work the Authorised Person is to 

demonstrate to the designated Person in Charge: 

n 

the extent of the work to be carried out 

n 

that the confined space has been isolated and associated Permits to 

Work have been obtained 

n 

the safety arrangements at the place of work and at points of isolation 

n 

any special instructions and/or safety measures 

n 

that the area of work is vented and purged and that it is safe for the 

work to proceed. 

5.3.11 

Before accepting the Permit to Work the designated Person in Charge is 

to: 

n 

read the permit 

n 

understand the extent of the work 

n 

understand the safety precautions 

n 

be prepared to undertake the work 

n 

sign the permit. 

5.3.12 

The designated Person in Charge is to sign Part 2 of the Permit to Work to 

accept the responsibilities of the Person in Charge. On signing for 

acceptance of the permit the designated person authenticates the permit as 

valid and becomes the Person in Charge of the permitted work. 

5.3.13 

The signatures on Part 1 and 2 of the Permit to Work are to appear on the 

original and duplicate pages.  The signature on Part 2 renders the Permit to 

Work valid for the defined task, and the original copy is issued to the 

Person in Charge.  The Authorised Person retains the duplicate copy. 

5.3.14 

The acceptance of a Permit to Work makes the Person in Charge 

personally responsible for supervising or undertaking the defined work. 

5.3.15 

While the work is in progress, the Person in Charge is not permitted to 

leave the point of work or to undertake any other work or tests. If there is a 

need for the Person in Charge to carry out any other unrelated duties or 

leave the point of work, the task is to be suspended. The Person in Charge 

is to ensure that suitable safety precautions are taken before leaving the 

point of work. 

April 2005 

37