Level 4 Award in Permit to Work System

1. Introduction to Permit to Work Systems Reviews the purpose, scope, and evolution of PTW systems, highlighting their role in high‑risk operations.

2. Roles and Responsibilities in PTW Defines the advanced responsibilities of issuers, receivers, supervisors, and auditors in managing PTW systems.

3. Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment in PTW Explores advanced risk assessment methodologies and integration of hazard controls into PTW documentation.

4. Developing Permit to Work Procedures Provides guidance on designing, standardizing, and implementing PTW procedures tailored to organizational needs.

5. Types of Permits Examines specialized permits such as hot work, confined space, electrical, excavation, and work at height permits.

6. Control Measures and Safe Systems of Work Details advanced control strategies, including isolation, monitoring, and layered safety systems.

7. Legal and Regulatory Requirements for PTW Reviews international and national legal frameworks, compliance obligations, and industry best practices.

8. Communication and Coordination in PTW Focuses on inter‑departmental coordination, contractor management, and communication protocols for safe execution.

9. Processes Auditing & Reviewing PTW Systems Explains how to conduct audits, performance reviews, and compliance checks to ensure PTW effectiveness.

10. Incident Investigation & Lessons Learned in PTW Systems Provides methods for investigating PTW‑related incidents, identifying root causes, and applying lessons learned to improve systems.

• Builds advanced competency in designing and managing PTW systems

• Enhances compliance with international safety and regulatory standards

• Strengthens organizational safety culture and accountability

• Equips participants with auditing and investigation skills for PTW systems

• Provides recognized certification to support career advancement in safety leadership

• Senior safety officers and compliance managers

• PTW coordinators, supervisors, and auditors

• Engineers and managers in oil & gas, construction, utilities, and manufacturing

• Contractors and subcontractors working in high‑risk environments

• Professionals preparing for advanced safety leadership roles

• Assessment Type: Written exam + case study + practical evaluation

• Format: MCQs, short answers, case study analysis, and PTW system audit exercise

• Total Questions: 70 theory + 1 case study + 1 practical assignment

• Passing Score: 70%

• Duration: 2.5 hours (written) + 1 hour (practical)

• Certification: Level 4 Award in Permit to Work System Certificate

To deliver this Qualification, HiQual UK Approved ATPs must demonstrate the capability to deliver, assess, and internally quality assure qualifications in line with recognised regulatory principles and the expectations of the Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF).

Approved centres must operate effective systems to ensure the validity, reliability, fairness, consistency, and security of assessment.

1. Centre Recognition and Legal Compliance

Centres must be formally recognised by HiQual UK prior to the delivery or assessment of any qualification. To maintain recognition, centres must: Be a legally constituted organisation operating in compliance with applicable legislation and regulatory requirements. Demonstrate effective governance, management oversight, and clear lines of accountability. Comply with all HiQual UK policies, procedures, and conditions of centre recognition. Notify HiQual UK promptly of any material changes that may affect delivery, assessment, or internal quality assurance arrangements.

2. Resources, Facilities, and Learning Environment

Centres must ensure that sufficient and appropriate resources are in place to support learning and assessment. This includes: Learning environments appropriate to the mode of delivery, including classrooms and, where applicable, specialist or practical facilities. Access to learning and assessment resources that enable learners to meet qualification outcomes. Secure systems for managing learner data, assessment records, and certification claims. Arrangements that support equality of access and reasonable adjustments for learners where required.

3. Staff Competence and Occupational Expertise

Centres must ensure that all staff involved in delivery, assessment, and internal quality assurance are competent and suitably qualified. Centres must: Appoint tutors with appropriate subject knowledge, teaching competence, and relevant occupational or professional experience. Ensure assessors are trained and competent in applying HiQual UK assessment requirements and standards. Appoint a qualified Internal Quality Assurer (IQA) responsible for monitoring assessment practice and decisions. Maintain records of staff qualifications, experience, training, and continuing professional development (CPD).

4. Assessment Practice and Internal Quality Assurance (IQA)

Centres must operate robust internal quality assurance systems to ensure assessment integrity. Centres must: Ensure assessment is valid, fit for purpose, and conducted in line with HiQual UK requirements. Implement effective IQA procedures to monitor assessor performance and confirm the consistency of assessment decisions. Maintain accurate, complete, and auditable records of learner registration, assessment evidence, and outcomes. Carry out regular internal reviews and standardisation activities to support continuous improvement.

5. Integrity, Risk Management, and Malpractice

Centres must take appropriate measures to protect the integrity of assessment. Centres must: Maintain policies and procedures for the prevention, identification, and management of malpractice and maladministration. Ensure secure handling, storage, and retention of assessment materials and learner evidence. Report any suspected or confirmed malpractice to HiQual UK in accordance with published procedures.

6. Health, Safety, Safeguarding, and Learner Protection

Centres must provide a safe, inclusive, and supportive learning environment. Centres must: Comply with applicable health and safety and safeguarding legislation. Conduct risk assessments for learning activities, particularly where practical or technical work is involved. Maintain procedures to safeguard learner welfare and wellbeing.

7. Learner Information, Support, and Fair Treatment

Centres must ensure learners are informed, supported, and treated fairly. Centres must: Provide clear and accurate information on programme requirements, assessment methods, and certification. Ensure learners receive timely and constructive feedback on assessment outcomes. Operate transparent complaints and appeals procedures aligned with HiQual UK requirements. Manage learner information securely in compliance with data protection legislation.