# Permit Trigger Matrix

Use this matrix during RAMS planning to decide whether a permit-to-work process should be checked before work starts.

Always follow the client, principal contractor and site rules. This matrix is a prompt, not a permit.

| Work Condition | Permit To Consider | Typical Evidence Needed | RAMS Link |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Excavation, breaking ground or driving pins | Permit to dig | Utility plans, CAT and Genny scan, marked services, trial holes | Sequence step for locating services and safe excavation |
| Work near buried electric cables, gas, water, telecoms or drains | Permit to dig or services permit | Service drawings, service-owner info, isolation where required | Hazard row for service strike |
| Welding, cutting, grinding, brazing or torch-on works | Hot work permit | Fire-risk check, extinguishers, combustible clearance, fire watch | Hot-work method steps |
| Work on electrical systems | Electrical isolation permit | Isolation point, lock-off, prove-dead record, competent person | Isolation and testing sequence |
| Entry into confined spaces | Confined space permit | Atmospheric test, rescue plan, communication method, trained team | Confined-space controls |
| Lifting with crane, telehandler or complex plant operation | Lifting permit or lift plan approval | Lift plan, exclusion zone, appointed person, slinger/signaller | Lifting sequence and exclusion zones |
| Work at height with rescue dependency | Work-at-height permit or access permit | Rescue plan, access equipment inspection, edge protection | Rescue and access controls |
| Work near overhead power lines | Permit or exclusion-zone approval | GS6-style planning, goalposts, route marking, DNO liaison | Plant movement controls |

## Permit Close-Out Prompts

- [ ] Has the work area been inspected before handback?
- [ ] Are isolations removed or retained under control?
- [ ] Are excavations covered, fenced or backfilled?
- [ ] Has the fire watch or post-work monitoring period been completed?
- [ ] Has the permit issuer closed the permit?

## Official Sources To Check

- HSE: Avoiding danger from underground services, HSG47 - https://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/books/hsg47.htm
- HSE: Construction fire safety - https://www.hse.gov.uk/construction/faq-fire.htm
- CDM 2015 - https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2015/51/contents/made