The problem with paper permits
Why paper permits fail site teams
Lost forms, missed fire watches, no audit trail when the HSE turns up.
Lost in the van
Paper permits go missing. No version history, no signing trail, no defence if the HSE audits.
Fire watch forgotten
Post-work fire watch is a legal requirement but easy to skip when no one is tracking elapsed time. Fires start hours after the welding stops.
Standalone apps cost extra
Dedicated PTW systems charge £50–100/month and don't talk to your RAMS. Hazards get re-typed. PPE gets missed.
Permit types
Purpose-built for the two highest-risk jobs
Hot work and confined space are where the serious injuries happen. swiftRMS handles both with workflow tuned to the actual risk.
Hot Work Permits
Welding, cutting, grinding, soldering, torch-on roofing. Fire watch timer enforces the post-work watch window before sign-off.
- Configurable fire watch duration (60, 90, 120 min)
- Timer prevents early sign-off
- Fire-retardant PPE auto-included
- Links to linked RAMS hazards
Confined Space Permits
Tanks, manholes, sewers, ducts, deep excavations. Capture ventilation method, communication plan, and rescue arrangements upfront.
- Atmospheric monitoring flag
- Ventilation method capture
- Communication method tracking
- Rescue plan written into the permit
How it works
How the permit workflow runs
Four steps. Every signature captured. Every expiry automated.
01
Supervisor issues
Pick a type, select the project and linked RAMS, assign the operative. Hazards, PPE, and site location auto-fill from the approved RAMS.
02
Operative accepts
Assigned operative reviews conditions and signs acceptance. Email notification sent automatically. Only the assigned operative (or a manager+) can accept.
03
Work happens under live permit
Fire watch timer counts down for hot work. Sign-off blocked until duration met. Rescue plan and ventilation locked in before start for confined space.
04
Audit trail captured
Every signature stored with IP, timestamp, role. Permit auto-expires on validity window. PDF export ready for HSE or insurance.
Linked to your existing compliance
The permit isn't an island — it's connected to your RAMS and your project
Select a project and linked RAMS when issuing the permit. Hazards, control measures, PPE, and site location copy across automatically. Operatives get a permit that actually matches the risk assessment they've been briefed on — not a generic form with the same hazards every time.
- RAMS
- Permits
- Sign-off history
- Audit trail
Included on Business and Enterprise
Permit to Work is part of the swiftRMS Business plan
No separate PTW subscription. No extra integration. Permits, RAMS, COSHH, SSOW, projects, and team audit trail all in one platform for £399/month for up to 10 users.
- Hot Work permits
- Confined Space permits
- Fire watch timer enforcement
- Rescue plan + ventilation capture
- Auto-expiry on validity window
- Full signing trail with IP capture
- PDF export for site display
- RAMS and project linking
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
What types of permit to work does swiftRMS support?
Phase 1 covers the two highest-risk categories: Hot Work (welding, cutting, grinding, soldering, torch-on roofing) and Confined Space (manholes, tanks, sewers, deep excavations, ducts). More types — working at height, excavation, electrical — are on the roadmap.
How is this different from a paper permit or a standalone PTW system?
Permits live alongside your RAMS and projects, so linked hazards, PPE, and site location auto-fill from the approved RAMS. You get a full digital audit trail with IP-captured signatures, a real-time fire watch timer, rescue plan and ventilation capture for confined space, and permits auto-expire when the validity window ends. Paper permits do none of this.
Is the permit PDF valid for site display?
Yes. Every permit can be exported as a PDF with the full permit details, signing trail, and HSWA disclaimer. Pin it up at the point of work or issue it to the operative's phone.
Who can issue and accept a permit?
Supervisors, managers, owners, and admins can issue. The assigned operative (or a manager+) accepts. Roles are set on your team page. Every signature is captured with IP address, timestamp, and user role for an audit-defensible trail.
What happens if a permit is left open past its validity window?
A background job runs every 15 minutes and automatically flips permits past their valid_to datetime to an expired state. No one can accidentally work under an out-of-date permit.
Which plans include Permit to Work?
Permit to Work is included on Business (£399/month) and Enterprise plans. Pro plan is focused on RAMS generation for individual contractors. The upgrade path is one click from your billing settings.
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