Permit to Work

At SMU, we use the permit to work system (PTW), which provides a systematic, disciplined approach to assessing the risks and specifying the precautions to be taken when performing hazardous jobs. The PTW system is used to confirm that work is performed in a safe and environmentally sound manner. The PTW system also shares essential safety information with multiple groups across campus. SMU Permits are required to be approved by the office of risk management prior to the start of any hazardous work.

The Program applies to all SMU faculty, staff, and service providers who work under contract for SMU at all facilities owned and/or operated by SMU. This Program applies to all field operations and associated facilities in which SMU has significant control over operations.

SMU Work Permits

Work permits are used for high-risk activities on campus. Work permits help share critical information with others and doubles as a checklist. Work permits are used by contractors, faculty, staff, and students. Most permits can be filled out online. Some permits must be requested in person from the Office of Risk Management. 


Based on the work being performed the following permits are required:

Fire System Impairment Permit 

  • Use when a fire protection or detection system, fire alarm system or other system designed to maintain the fire resistance of the building element or structure is taken out of service due to construction, alteration, power outage, repair, or an emergency condition, either wholly or in part, planned or unplanned.
  • This permit must be filled out in person at Dawson Service Center, Suite 100.

Declassified Confined Space Permit

    • Use when working in a confined space with no hazards
    • Enclosed Space - When working in an electrical vault with an electrician

Permit Required Confined Space

    • Use when Working in a Confined Space with Hazards

Ground Disturbance Permit

    • Use when disturbing the ground more than 16 inches

Hot Work Permit 

    • Use when performing any work that may create a spark or start a fire.
    • This permit must be filled out in person at Dawson Service Center, Suite 100.
       

High Risk Operations Permit

    • High-risk operations are not covered in another SMU safety program and pose a severe risk to employees, contractors, students, guests, or property.
    • Use when performing a high-risk activity on campus that is not confined space, ground disturbance, or hot work.
    • Examples: crane lifts, rope access, highly hazardous chemicals, high or medium voltage energized work, electrical shutdowns, or any other high-risk activity where information needs and risk need to be evaluated.

Lock Out Tag Out Digital Tag Permit

    • When performing lock-out tag-out on campus, please fill out a digital tag.

Based on the work being performed the following permits are required:

Fire System Impairment Permit 

  • Use when a fire protection or detection system, fire alarm system or other system designed to maintain the fire resistance of the building element or structure is taken out of service due to construction, alteration, power outage, repair, or an emergency condition, either wholly or in part, planned or unplanned.
  • This permit must be filled out in person at Dawson Service Center, Suite 100.

    Declassified Confined Space Permit

    • Use when working in a confined space with no hazards
    • Enclosed Space - When working in an electrical vault with an electrician

    Permit Required Confined Space

    • Use when Working in a Confined Space with Hazards

    Ground Disturbance Permit

    • Use when disturbing the ground more than 16 inches.

    Hot Work Permit 

    • Use when performing any work that may create a spark or start a fire.
    • This permit must be filled out in person at Dawson Service Center, Suite 100.

    High Risk Operations Permit

    • High-risk operations are not covered in another SMU safety program and pose a severe risk to employees, contractors, students, guests, or property.
      • Use when performing a high-risk activity on campus that is not confined space, ground disturbance, or hot work.
      • Examples: crane lifts, rope access, highly hazardous chemicals, high or medium voltage energized work, electrical shutdowns, or any other high-risk activity where information needs and risk need to be evaluated.

      Lock Out Tag Out Digital Tag Permit

      • Use when performing lock-out tag-out on campus, please fill out a digital tag.

      Based on the work being performed the following permits are required:

      Ground Disturbance Permit

      • Use when disturbing the ground more than 16 inches.

      Lock Out Tag Out Digital Tag Permit

      • Use when performing lock-out tag-out on campus, please fill out a digital tag.