Introduction to Health and Safety at Work

Senior authorized person
➤
is responsible to the site manager for the operation 
of the permit system
➤
defi nes the work on the site which requires a permit
➤
ensures that people responsible for this work are 
aware that it must only be done under the terms of a 
valid permit
➤
appoints all necessary authorized persons
➤
appoints a deputy to act in his/her absence.
Authorized persons
➤
issue permits to competent persons and retain 
copies
➤
personally inspect the site to ensure that the con-
ditions and proposed precautions are adequate and 
that it is safe for the work to proceed
➤
accompany the competent person to the site to 
ensure that the plant/equipment is correctly identi-
fi ed and that the competent person understands the 
permit
➤
cancel the permit on satisfactory completion of the 
work.
Competent persons
➤
receive permits from authorized persons
➤
read the permit and make sure they fully under-
stand the work to be done and the precautions to 
be taken
➤
signify their acceptance of the permit by signing 
both copies
➤
comply with the permit and make sure those under 
their supervision similarly understand and implement 
the required precautions
➤
on completion of the work, return the permit to the 
authorized person who issued it.
Operatives
➤
read the permit and comply with its requirements, 
under the supervision of the competent person.
Specialists
A number of permits require the advice/skills of special-
ists in order to operate effectively. Such specialists may 
include chemists, electrical engineers, health and safety 
advisers and fi re offi cers. Their role may involve:
➤
isolations within his/her discipline – e.g. electrical 
work
➤
using suitable techniques and equipment to moni-
tor the working environment for toxic or fl ammable 
materials, or for lack of oxygen
➤
giving advice to managers on safe methods of 
working.
Specialists must not assume responsibility for the permit 
system. This lies with the site manager and the senior 
authorized person.