Permit to Work (PTW) systems are a cornerstone of safe operations in high-risk industries such as oil and gas, construction, and manufacturing. They provide a formalised process for controlling hazardous work activities, ensuring that all necessary precautions are taken before, during, and after potentially dangerous tasks. A robust PTW system not only helps prevent accidents but also promotes a culture of safety and accountability.
What is a Permit to Work System?
Let’s start by explaining what a Permit to Work system is for. It is a system that documents procedures that authorises specific people to conduct particular work at a certain time and place. It is designed to ensure that all foreseeable risks are considered and controlled before work begins. Key components of a PTW system include:
- Clear documentation outlining the scope and hazards of the work
- Defined roles and responsibilities for those issuing, holding, and closing permits
- Effective communication between all parties involved
- Formal authorisation and sign-off at each stage of the process.
PTW systems are especially vital for non-routine or high-risk activities such as hot work, confined space entry, electrical maintenance, and working at height.
The Role of Safety Tags in Permit to Work Systems
Safety tags are an essential visual tool within PTW systems. They serve as immediate, recognisable indicators of permit status, work authorisation, and potential hazards. By providing clear, up-to-date information at the point of use, safety tags help prevent unauthorised access, accidental operation of equipment, or interference with ongoing work.
These robust tags are attached to equipment, machinery, or entry points to signal that work is in progress under a valid permit, or to communicate restrictions and safety requirements. This visual communication is crucial in busy or complex worksites where multiple activities may be taking place simultaneously.
Types of Safety Tags Used in PTW Systems
Several types of tags are commonly used to support the PTW process:
- Permit Tags: Indicate that a work permit is in force and display key details such as permit number, authorised personnel, and expiry date.
- Danger Tags: Warn of specific hazards or prohibit the use or operation of equipment.
- Isolation Tags: Show that equipment or systems have been isolated for safety and must not be re-energised or operated.
- Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) Tags: Used in conjunction with lockout devices to prevent the accidental release of hazardous energy.
- Inspection Tags: Record inspection dates and the status of safety equipment or systems.
Vantage Tags has a wide range of safety tags covering the above applications, all of which are designed in the UK, with many bespoke to client needs. These tags are robust and highly visible leaving workers in no doubt as to the status of equipment or the space they are entering in which great care should be taken.
Best Practices for Using Safety Tags in PTW
To maximise the effectiveness of safety tags within a PTW system, we would advocate that the following tasks are conducted on a regular basis:
- Ensure tags are placed prominently and are easily visible to all personnel
- Keep tags up to date, reflecting the current status of the permit and the work being carried out
- Regularly inspect tags for damage or illegibility and replace them as necessary
- Train all workers on the meaning of different tags and the importance of adhering to tag instructions
- Integrate tag use with both digital and paper-based permit documentation for full traceability.
Safety tags should be fully integrated into PTW systems to improve safety and form a more robust safety regime. There are several benefits of integration that seem obvious, but they should not be overlooked if safety is to be the number one priority. Here are four good reasons for integrating safety tags into PTW systems.
- Enhanced Safety: Reduces the risk of accidental start-up, exposure to hazards, or unauthorised work
- Regulatory Compliance: Supports adherence to legal requirements and industry standards
- Improved Communication: Ensures everyone on site is aware of ongoing work and associated risks
- Operational Efficiency: Minimises downtime and errors by clearly signalling work status and restrictions.
Permit to Work systems are fundamental to managing risk in hazardous environments, and safety tags are an indispensable part of this process. By providing clear, reliable, and visible information, tags help ensure that only authorised work takes place, equipment remains safely isolated, and everyone on site is kept informed.
Chris McGeehan
Business Unit Manager
Vantage Tags
