Introduction
Effective work permit management is essential for maintaining safety, regulatory compliance, and operational efficiency. Traditional paper-based Permit to Work (PTW) systems can be slow, inefficient, easily mislaid, and prone to error, contributing to serious safety risks.
A 2017 study published in the Chemical Engineering Transactions Journal found that permit system failures were a contributing factor in approximately 7% of over 600 process safety incidents recorded between 1990 and 2015. (Yan, C. K., Siong, P. H., Kidam, K., Ali, M. W., Hassim, M. H., Kamaruddin, M. J., & Kamarden, H. (2017). Contribution of Permit to Work to Process Safety Accident in the Chemical Process Industry. Chemical Engineering Transactions, 56, 883–888.)
To overcome these challenges, a growing number of organisations are turning to electronic Permit to Work (ePTW) systems to enhance visibility, streamline coordination, and strengthen safety practices. This article outlines three major benefits of adopting an ePTW system, with IAMTech’s iPermit serving as a case study.
1. Centralised Dashboards for Better Oversight
A core benefit of ePTW systems is centralised control. User Home Screens can provide a real-time overview of all active permits on-site through intuitive dashboards.
With iPermit, users benefit from an interactive ribbon tool that simplifies navigation. It allows them to organise and locate permits with ease, helping teams monitor progress from issue to completion without relying on outdated physical documents.
This centralisation enhances collaboration, reduces administrative effort, and speeds up response times, allowing personnel to focus on safety and execution.
2. Safer Management of Simultaneous Operations (SIMOPS)
Overlapping permitted work in th…
