Permits & POWRA

The mobile app supports permits to work and point-of-work risk assessments (POWRA) — two on-site safety tools that complement your RAMS documents.

Permits to work

A permit to work is a formal authorisation for high-risk activities. It ensures that specific safety precautions are in place before work begins and that the work area is made safe when work is complete.

Common permit types

Permit type	When required
Hot works	Welding, cutting, grinding, or any work that produces heat, sparks, or flame
Confined space entry	Entry into tanks, vessels, pits, sewers, or enclosed spaces
Electrical isolation	Work on or near live electrical installations
Excavation	Digging, trenching, or breaking ground
Working at height	When additional authorisation is required beyond standard controls
Roof work	Access to fragile or unprotected roofs

Opening a permit

1. Tap Permits on the mobile dashboard.
2. Tap New Permit.
3. Select the permit type.
4. Complete the permit form:
   • Location — where the work will take place
   • Work description — what is being done
   • Duration — start and end time
   • Precautions — safety measures that must be in place (isolation confirmed, gas test results, fire watch, etc.)
   • Personnel — who is authorised to work under this permit
5. The issuer (supervisor or manager) reviews and signs to open the permit.
6. The worker signs to acknowledge the permit conditions.

[Screenshot: Permit to work form on mobile showing precautions checklist and signature fields]

The permit is now open. It appears on the mobile dashboard and the web app under active permits.

Managing an open permit

While a permit is open:

• The dashboard shows a countdown to the permit expiry time
• The permit location is highlighted on the site map (if available)
• Other users can see that a permit is active for that area

Extending a permit

If work takes longer than planned:

1. Open the active permit.
2. Tap Extend.
3. Enter the new end time and reason for extension.
4. The issuer re-signs to authorise the extension.

Suspending a permit

If work needs to stop temporarily (e.g. during an emergency or for a different operation):

1. Open the active permit.
2. Tap Suspend.
3. Record the reason.
4. The permit is paused — work must not continue until it is reactivated.

Closing a permit

When work is complete:

1. Open the active permit.
2. Tap Close Permit.
3. Complete the close-out checklist:
   • Area made safe
   • Equipment removed
   • Isolation restored (if applicable)
   • Fire watch completed (for hot works — typically 60 minutes after work ends)
4. The worker signs to confirm the area is safe.
5. The issuer signs to close the permit.

The permit record — including open, any extensions/suspensions, and close — is saved to the project’s audit trail.

Point-of-work risk assessment (POWRA)

A POWRA is a quick on-site risk assessment carried out immediately before starting a task. It is a final check that conditions are safe and nothing has changed since the RAMS was written.

When to use a POWRA

• Before starting any task where conditions may have changed
• When site conditions differ from what was expected (e.g. weather, access, nearby work)
• As a daily or shift-start check
• When a worker identifies a new hazard not covered by the existing RAMS

Completing a POWRA

1. Tap POWRA on the mobile dashboard (or tap New POWRA from quick actions).
2. Select the task you are about to start.
3. Select the RAMS document this task relates to.
4. Answer the POWRA checklist:

Question	What to check
Have you read the RAMS for this task?	Confirm you understand the hazards and controls
Are all controls in place?	Check that barriers, signage, PPE, and equipment are ready
Has anything changed since the RAMS was written?	Weather, access, adjacent work, new hazards
Do you have the right tools and equipment?	All equipment inspected and fit for use
Do you have the right PPE?	All required PPE available and in good condition
Is the work area safe?	No unexpected hazards, obstructions, or risks
Do you know the emergency procedures?	Assembly point, first aider, emergency contacts

5. If all answers are satisfactory, tap Proceed — the POWRA is recorded and work can begin.
6. If any answer is No, the app prompts you to:
   • Describe the issue
   • Take a photo (optional)
   • Decide whether to stop work (escalate to supervisor) or add a control measure and proceed

[Screenshot: POWRA checklist on mobile with Yes/No toggles and issue description field]

POWRA records

Completed POWRAs are saved to the project record and linked to the relevant RAMS document. They show:

• Who completed the POWRA and when
• The task and RAMS reference
• All checklist answers
• Any issues identified and actions taken
• Photos (if captured)
• GPS location

When to stop work

If a POWRA identifies a significant issue that cannot be resolved on site:

1. Stop work — do not proceed with the task.
2. Record the issue in the POWRA.
3. Notify your supervisor.
4. The RAMS may need updating to address the new conditions before work can restart.

Caution

A POWRA is not a replacement for a proper risk assessment. It is a final check at the point of work. If conditions have changed significantly, the RAMS itself needs to be reviewed and updated by a competent person.