Work Permit System — Code of Practice (IS 17893:2023)

A Work Permit System (WPS/PTW) is a formal, written, and structured process designed to control high-risk work activities by ensuring that hazards are identified and managed before work begins. The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) under IS 17893:2023 provides a comprehensive Code of Practice for implementing and maintaining an effective permit-to-work system in industries, construction sites, and other workplaces.

This system acts as a control mechanism between management, supervisors, and workers to ensure that hazardous activities are carried out safely and under strict authorization.

Objectives of the Work Permit System

• To identify hazards before starting work.
• To ensure that control measures are in place.
• To define roles and responsibilities clearly.
• To prevent unauthorized or unsafe work.
• To establish accountability through documentation.
• To comply with legal and statutory safety requirements.

Types of Work Permits

The Code of Practice specifies different permits depending on the nature of work:

1. Hot Work Permit – For welding, gas cutting, grinding, or any activity involving heat, sparks, or flames.
2. Cold Work Permit – For jobs not involving heat but requiring strict supervision (e.g., mechanical jobs, pipe fitting).
3. Electrical Work Permit – For work on live electrical panels, switchgear, or high-voltage equipment.
4. Confined Space Entry Permit – For work inside tanks, sewers, manholes, silos, or other enclosed spaces.
5. Height Work Permit – For tasks at elevated locations where fall protection is necessary.
6. Excavation Permit – For digging, trenching, or construction work below ground level.
7. Radiation Permit – For activities involving radioactive materials or radiography testing.
8. Special Permits – For jobs that do not fall under the above but involve significant risk (e.g., chemical handling, demolition).

Key Elements of a Work Permit System

1. Permit Initiation
   • Request raised by a competent person before starting hazardous work.
   • Includes job description, location, hazards, and control measures.
2. Hazard Identification & Risk Assessment
   • Identifies potential risks such as fire, explosion, toxic exposure, or falls.
   • Ensures proper control measures like PPE, ventilation, fire watch, and barricading.
3. Authorization & Approval
   • Issued by an authorized person.
   • Specifies duration of validity, scope of work, and safety precautions.
4. Permit Display
   • A copy of the permit is displayed at the job site for awareness.
5. Monitoring During Work
   • Continuous supervision to ensure compliance with safety requirements.
   • Conditions are checked periodically to avoid unsafe practices.
6. Permit Closure
   • Work completion verified.
   • Site inspected to ensure it is safe for normal operations.
   • Permit signed off and recorded.

Roles and Responsibilities

• Employer / Management – Establish the system, provide training, and enforce compliance.
• Permit Issuer – Conducts hazard assessment, issues permits, and ensures safety measures.
• Permit Receiver / Supervisor – Ensures workers follow all conditions of the permit.
• Workers – Carry out tasks safely, use PPE, and immediately report unsafe conditions.
• Safety Officer – Audits permits, ensures adherence, and maintains records.

Documentation & Record Keeping

• All permits must be numbered, logged, and archived.
• Expired and cancelled permits should be retained for audit and compliance checks.
• Digital permit systems can be used for better traceability.

• Reduces workplace accidents.
• Ensures accountability and discipline.
• Enhances communication between teams.
• Complies with statutory requirements (OSHA, BIS, Factories Act, etc.).
• Builds a strong safety culture.

Advantages of Work Permit System

The Work Permit System — Code of Practice (IS 17893:2023) provides organizations with a structured framework to manage hazardous work activities effectively. By defining responsibilities, ensuring authorization, and monitoring safety measures, this system plays a critical role in preventing accidents and protecting workers’ lives.

Adopting this code is not just a regulatory requirement but also a proactive safety management practice that builds trust, discipline, and resilience within organizations.