Here’s why James Bond has a permit to work

Written by Matthew Pattinson

July 1st, 2016

Health and Safety Articles

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Permit to work systems are required to control hazardous workplace activities to prevent major incidents. Given the risky nature of James Bond’s daily work life, it’s perhaps little surprise then that Her Majesty’s finest was also licensed to work.

Imagine how different the movies would have been had 007 been refused a permit to work. “Permission to work ma’am?” requests Bond ahead of another adventure. “Permission refused,” declares M.

If this was the plot point, then the rest of Dr No would have seen Bond chilling on a beach with Martinis.

Licensed to work safely

A permit to work is akin to 007’s licence. Without it, the workplace action grounds to a halt.

A permit to work – or PTW – is a document issued by an authorised person to permit work to be carried out safely in a defined area under specified conditions.

Let’s say you’ve been given a mission to carry out work identified as having a high risk. If this is the case, congratulations agent. Remember though that strict safety controls are required.

The work must be undertaken against previously agreed safety procedures – a permit to work system.

A permit to work:

Authorises certain people to carry out specific work within a specified time frame
Sets out the precautions required to complete the work safely
Describes what work will be done
Describes how it will be done

So if the job carries risks, always remember your permit to work. After all James, your country – and company – are counting on you.

Here’s why James Bond has a permit to work

Licensed to work safely

A permit to work:

Top secret permit to work video guide

Want to know more about permit to work training?