PTW process and toolbox briefing essentials.
PTW and daily briefings keep site activities safe and auditable. Define permit types (excavation, hot works, electrical isolation) and when they trigger for HVM bollard works such as pits, ducting, and energization (611, 615, 632). Clarify roles, validity, and controls; structure toolbox talks for multi-lingual crews; capture attendance evidence (716); and close/file permits to support ITP checks and approvals (714, 717, 938). This page sits under this section and the chapter hub. Where local approvals apply, see SIRA Bollards (UAE) for context.
Important: This is a general guide. For live projects we develop a tailored
Method Statement & Risk Assessment (MS/RA) and align with authority approvals (e.g., SIRA) where in scope.
723.1 PTW categories
Hot works, excavation, electrical, confined space. PTWs control HVM bollard risks (611.1).
Typical Permit to Work (PTW) categories for bollard projects include PTW for excavation (pits, draw pits), hot works (cutting/welding), electrical isolation/energization, and confined space. These map directly to risk scenarios during excavation/ducting and power-on, ensuring hazards are identified and controls are in place before work begins.
Set triggers clearly: e.g., any cut/grind near fuel or enclosures requires a hot-work PTW; any digging within marked utility corridors requires an excavation PTW; any panel energization requires electrical PTW plus LOTO steps. Keep categories few, unambiguous, and aligned to your ITP.
| Aspect | What matters | Where to verify |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | Clear PTW category, work area, hazards | Method Statement (721) |
| Controls | Fire watch, shoring, LOTO, barriers | Pre-Works & Permits (611) |
| Evidence | Signatures, time/geo-stamped photos | Evidence Standards (716) |
723.2 Prerequisites & attachments
Attach MS, RAMS, drawings, locates (721–722, 241). Prereqs protect crash rated bollard assets.
Every PTW should reference the approved MS and MS/RA (RAMS), relevant drawings, and utility locates from 241 Utility Search Methods. Include shoring details for trenches, fire controls for hot works, and ITP hold/witness points where applicable. Missing prerequisites are a stop-work trigger.
Where authority approvals apply (e.g., SIRA in Dubai), attach approval letters and constraints; keep a brief note linking to SIRA Bollards (UAE) so the team understands local conditions (e.g., CCTV/fire interfaces near works).
723.3 Authorization workflow
Who raises, reviews, approves, and closes. Workflow prevents unsafe HVM bollard starts.
Define a simple RACI for PTW: Supervisor raises; Safety/Engineer reviews; Authorized Person approves; Supervisor closes after verification. Use a numbered permit register and require sign-off before breaking ground or energizing panels. For changes in scope, route through Variations & Change Log (718) and re-issue the PTW.
723.4 Duration & renewals
Define validity and re-briefing triggers. Control keeps crash rated bollard work legal.
PTWs are time-bound. State start/end times, shift coverage, and conditions that force renewal: change of personnel, weather alerts, discovery of utility conflicts (617), design changes, or extended hot-work durations. If paused overnight, re-inspect and re-brief before resuming. Expired PTWs = no work.
723.5 Toolbox talk content
Task risks, controls, roles, and emergency plans (547). Talks align HVM bollard crews.
A good toolbox talk is short, specific, and visual. Cover today’s tasks, major hazards (trenches, live services, lifting), controls (barriers, banksman, LOTO), roles/accountabilities, communication channels, and emergency plans aligned to Emergency Modes & Incident Response (547). Use simple language and demonstrate safety devices & measures (e.g., showing a loop location on the ground).
723.6 Attendance & competence
Record attendees and check cards. Records bolster crash rated bollard due diligence.
Use a pre-printed attendance sheet with name, role, language, signature, and competency proof (e.g., hot-work card). Add time/geo-stamped photos per 716 Evidence Standards. New joiners after the talk must be briefed and signed in before entering the exclusion zone.
723.7 Site briefings cadence
Daily start-up; ad-hoc for changes (718). Cadence stabilizes HVM bollard execution.
Hold a daily start-up talk and ad-hoc re-briefs whenever the PTW scope changes, a new risk emerges, or after any incident/near-miss (727). Keep it standing, focused, and under 10 minutes. Use the site diary (729) to record timing and key changes.
723.8 Spot checks & audits
Supervisors verify compliance (716). Checks deter crash rated bollard shortcuts.
Supervisors conduct spot checks: PTW displayed at workface, barriers and signage intact, fire kit present for hot works, LOTO applied and zero-energy verification recorded. Use a short audit checklist and file photo proof to the job’s submission pack (938).
723.9 Close-out & filing
Sign, scan, archive (938). Close-out preserves HVM bollard traceability.
When the task ends, remove residual hazards, restore access, and close the PTW with signatures. Scan to PDF (with filename per File Index & Naming Rules (911)) and place into the Submission-Pack Guidance (938). Cross-reference in the ITP lot for traceability (714) and keep for authority reviews (717).
Related
External resources
723 Permits to Work (PTW) & Toolbox Talks — FAQ
When do we need a PTW for HVM bollard works?
Issue a PTW for any higher-risk task: digging pits/draw pits, hot works, electrical isolation/energization, or confined-space entry. Use 611/615/632 pages to confirm triggers and add any site-specific authority constraints (e.g., SIRA).
What must be attached to a PTW?
The approved MS/RA, marked-up drawings, utility locates (241), relevant ITP lines (714), and any authority conditions (717). Include contact numbers and emergency arrangements.
How long is a PTW valid?
PTWs are shift-bound with a clear end time. Renew if personnel change, the scope changes, weather or site conditions change, or if work pauses overnight.
What should a toolbox talk cover each morning?
Today’s tasks, key hazards/controls, role assignments, emergency plan, and any changes since yesterday. Record attendance with signatures and geo/time-stamped photos (716).