---
title: Permit-to-work system
description: The permit-to-work system streamlines the management of requests for work permits for potentially hazardous activities and provides an efficient process for issuing these permits.
locale: en-US
canonical_url: https://www.servicenow.com/docs/r/australia/employee-service-management/health-and-safety-risk-management/hs-permit-to-work.html
release: australia
product: Health and Safety Risk Management
classification: health-and-safety-risk-management
topic_type: concept
last_updated: "2026-10-09"
reading_time_minutes: 1
breadcrumb: [Use, Health and Safety Risk Management, Health and Safety, Employee Service Management]
---

# Permit-to-work system

The permit-to-work system streamlines the management of requests for work permits for potentially hazardous activities and provides an efficient process for issuing these permits.

The permit-to-work system provides a process for workers to submit a permit-to-work request for hazardous activities, receive formal approval, and be issued a permit. A permit is issued after the safety of the job and the site is validated. Potentially hazardous activities might include:

-   Hot work
-   Confined space entry
-   Electrical work
-   Excavation
-   Lifting operations
-   Chemical handling
-   Working at heights
-   Working underwater

Not managing these tasks properly could pose significant risks. The permit-to-work system enhances operational efficiency and promotes the following outcomes:

-   Safety of workers by identifying hazards and executing risk control measures.
-   Accountability by providing a clear trail of documentation when needed for auditing an incident or for legal conformance.
-   Adequate training for workers on risks, safety measures, and permit requirements.
-   Regular monitoring and supervision on safety conformance and permit conditions throughout the duration of the activity.

-   **[Create a permit-to-work request](https://raw.githubusercontent.com/ServiceNow/ServiceNowDocs/australia/markdown/australia/employee-service-management/health-and-safety-risk-management/hs-create-permit-to-work-request.md)**  
The permit-to-work request is submitted by the worker who will be carrying out a job with significant risk.
-   **[Approve or reject a permit-to-work request](https://raw.githubusercontent.com/ServiceNow/ServiceNowDocs/australia/markdown/australia/employee-service-management/health-and-safety-risk-management/hs-approve-reject-permit.md)**  
Review the permit and approve or reject it through Employee Center.
-   **[Issue a permit to work](https://raw.githubusercontent.com/ServiceNow/ServiceNowDocs/australia/markdown/australia/employee-service-management/health-and-safety-risk-management/hs-issue-permit.md)**  
A permit coordinator can issue a permit after the permit approver approves a request.
-   **[Add an action to a health and safety permit-to-work request](https://raw.githubusercontent.com/ServiceNow/ServiceNowDocs/australia/markdown/australia/employee-service-management/health-and-safety-risk-management/hs-add-health-safety-action-permit.md)**  
Create a Health and Safety action to a requested permit-to-work. This helps to address the root cause of any reported safety occurrence.

**Parent Topic:**[Using Health and Safety Risk Management](https://raw.githubusercontent.com/ServiceNow/ServiceNowDocs/australia/markdown/australia/employee-service-management/health-and-safety-risk-management/hs-using-hs-risk-mgmt.md)