Answer:
These formal systems state exactly what work is to be done, where and when. In many organisations, people doing the actual work are required to sign a permit to work document to confirm that they have understood all processes and guidelines of the system. Permits also serve as a means of communication between site workers and the organisation’s management.
However, they should not be mistaken as a replacement for robust risk assessment, which should happen simultaneously. Having a permit to work systems as part of organisational operations reduces the risks of losses or damage due to unsafe activities in a non-trivial work atmosphere.
These systems ensure that the correct jobs are entrusted to appropriate individuals and review or audit of conditions are also undertaken by experts or authorised personnel who have proven capabilities of undertaking the respective responsibilities. Permit to work systems also confirms that work is completed safely and the workplace is restored to its safe, original form for normal operations to commence.