Working in confined spaces is one of the most hazardous activities in any industrial environment. Whether on offshore installations, construction sites, or within utilities and manufacturing plants, these environments present unique and often hidden risks. A moment’s lapse in control or communication can have catastrophic consequences.
For decades, organisations have relied on paper-based permits and manual processes to manage confined space work. But as operations become more complex and geographically distributed, these methods no longer provide the agility, visibility, or assurance required.
At Pisys, we’ve seen how a digital permit to work (PTW) system can transform safety management—streamlining communication, improving accountability, and ensuring full compliance with HSE and industry regulations.
Understanding Confined Spaces and Their Risks
A confined space is any area that:
Allows a person to enter and work inside;
Is not designed for continuous occupancy; and
Has limited access or ventilation that could pose risks to health and safety.
Typical examples include tanks, silos, pits, manholes, sewers, and storage bins. These environments can quickly become dangerous due to the presence of toxic gases, oxygen depletion, flammable substances, or restricted movement.
Even well-trained personnel face heightened risk if procedures are unclear or information is delayed—making structured control essential.
The Role of a Confined Space Entry Certificate
A Confined Space Entry Certificate is formal proof that an individual has received the necessary training and authorisation to safely enter and work in confined spaces. It confirms that they can identify hazards, perform risk assessments, and follow correct entry and exit protocols.
For organisations, maintaining these certificates is both a compliance obligation and a reassurance that all personnel meet the competency standards required under HSE, OSHA, or equivalent national guidelines.
When integrated within a digital PTW system, certification data can be stored, tracked, and automatically verified—ensuring that only trained workers are authorised for specific tasks.
Why a Permit to Work System Is Essential for Confined Space Operations
A permit to work system is the foundation of safe working practices in high-risk environments. It provides a formal framework that ensures:
All hazards have been identified and assessed;
Control measures are in place and verified;
Authorisations are clearly documented; and
Work only proceeds once all safety conditions are met.
In confined spaces, a PTW system provides the critical oversight needed to prevent accidents and miscommunication. Traditional paper-based permits, however, can be slow to issue, difficult to track, and prone to loss or duplication—problems that digital systems eliminate entirely.
Key Components of a Confined Space Entry Permit
A well-designed confined space entry permit includes several crucial elements:
Comprehensive risk assessment tailored to the task and environment.
Isolation details for electrical, mechanical, hydraulic, or pneumatic systems.
Atmospheric testing results, including oxygen levels and potential contaminants.
PPE and equipment requirements, with checks for condition and calibration.
Authorisations and sign-offs, recording exactly who approved each stage.
Emergency and rescue procedures, verified and accessible before entry.
These elements create a single, auditable record of every control measure—ensuring transparency and accountability.
Clear Roles and Responsibilities
Successful permit management depends on defined roles and disciplined communication. In most systems, four key functions exist:
Creator – The person who initiates the permit, outlining the work scope and hazards.
Approver – Reviews the proposed work and confirms compliance with policy and regulations.
Issuer – Grants formal permission to begin work, ensuring all conditions are met.
Handback – Closes the permit once work is complete and confirms the area is safe.
Many organisations also include additional levels of review, such as site managers or “persons made aware,” to enhance oversight. A digital PTW system makes it simple to define and track these workflows in real time.
Safety Essentials for Confined Space Work
Every confined space permit should reflect a consistent set of safety considerations, including:
Space classification – determining if the environment falls under HSE, OSHA, or CSA confined space regulations.
Atmospheric monitoring – continuous gas detection and oxygen measurement.
Competency validation – ensuring that every worker has a valid, in-date certificate.
Isolation verification – confirming that valves, pipes, and machinery are securely isolated.
Ventilation and lighting – maintaining safe atmospheric conditions.
Emergency readiness – including rescue teams and communication systems.
Supervision and access control – tracking personnel within confined spaces at all times.
Digital tools enhance each of these by providing real-time monitoring, automated alerts, and full traceability.
How Pisys PTW Software Strengthens Confined Space Safety
Pisys’ digital permit to work software is built for organisations that demand precision, accountability, and efficiency in safety management. Our system provides:
Centralised control of all confined space entry permits, across multiple sites and teams.
Automatic validation of worker competencies and training records.
Real-time visibility of every active permit, allowing supervisors to see who is working where and under what conditions.
Comprehensive audit trails, simplifying compliance with internal and external inspections.
Seamless synchronisation between onshore and offshore environments, even with limited connectivity.
By eliminating manual paperwork, Pisys PTW Software reduces the risk of errors, shortens approval times, and ensures that critical safety information is never lost or delayed.
Beyond Compliance: Building a Culture of Safety
Regulatory compliance is essential—but true safety leadership goes further. A digital PTW system helps build a proactive safety culture where communication is clear, responsibilities are defined, and everyone understands their role in protecting themselves and their colleagues.
With Pisys, organisations gain more than a permit tool; they gain a complete safety management framework designed to evolve with their operational needs.
Whether managing a single facility or a global network of offshore assets, our digital permit to work system delivers the control, transparency, and confidence needed to keep people safe in even the most challenging environments.
