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Permit to work software

Lachlan McRitchie

Lachlan McRitchie

GM of Operations

Published 15 February 2026Updated 15 March 2026

Permit to work software is a digital system for managing high-risk work permits such as hot work, confined space entry, working at heights, electrical isolation and excavation. It replaces paper-based permit books with electronic permits that are created, approved, issued and closed out within a single auditable platform.

Why it matters

Permit to work processes exist to control high-risk activities that could result in serious injury or death. Paper-based permit systems are vulnerable to lost forms, expired permits remaining active, approvals bypassed under time pressure, and incomplete close-out records. Digital permit to work software enforces the correct approval workflow, prevents work from starting until all preconditions are met, automatically expires permits at the designated time, and creates a complete digital record for compliance audits and incident investigations.

How MapTrack helps

MapTrack supports permit-to-work workflows through its digital forms engine. Teams can create permit templates (hot work, confined space, LOTO isolation, working at heights) with required fields, approval signatures, risk assessment attachments and close-out checklists. Permits are linked to the asset or location via QR code, creating a complete permit history. Automated expiry and escalation rules prevent permits from being left open, and all permit records are instantly accessible for audits.

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Frequently asked questions

What is a permit to work system?

A permit to work system is a formal process for controlling high-risk work activities. It requires a written permit to be issued before work begins, specifying the hazards, preconditions, controls and duration. The permit must be approved by an authorised person, and work cannot proceed until all preconditions (e.g. isolation verified, gas testing completed) are confirmed. Digital permit to work software replaces the paper-based version with electronic permits that enforce the correct workflow and create an auditable record.

Which industries use permit to work software?

Permit to work software is used across construction, mining, oil and gas, utilities, manufacturing, facilities management and any industry where high-risk activities require formal authorisation. Common permit types include hot work permits, confined space entry permits, electrical isolation (LOTO) permits, working at heights permits and excavation permits. Australian WHS regulations require documented safe work procedures for these activities.

Related terms

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