Which statement best describes who may issue permits for high-risk work?

Which statement best describes who may issue permits for high-risk work?

• A. The plant manager only.
• B. A safety committee member.
• C. An authorized supervisor or designated authority.
• D. The external regulatory body.

Answer: (C)

Permits to work for high-risk tasks are issued by people who are explicitly authorized and trained to assess hazards and authorize the work. An authorized supervisor or designated authority has the responsibility to verify that the work area is prepared, that all hazard controls are in place, that energy sources are properly isolated or controlled, and that the permit clearly lists the tasks, steps, and safety precautions. They hold the accountability for whether the work can proceed safely and for canceling the permit if conditions change. This authority is delegated within the organization to ensure decisions are made by those with proper training and on-site knowledge. A plant manager may oversee safety programs but is not automatically the permit issuer. A safety committee member helps plan and advise, but typically does not issue permits. The external regulatory body sets rules and may audit compliance, but it does not issue daily permits at the site.

Permits to work for high-risk tasks are issued by people who are explicitly authorized and trained to assess hazards and authorize the work. An authorized supervisor or designated authority has the responsibility to verify that the work area is prepared, that all hazard controls are in place, that energy sources are properly isolated or controlled, and that the permit clearly lists the tasks, steps, and safety precautions. They hold the accountability for whether the work can proceed safely and for canceling the permit if conditions change. This authority is delegated within the organization to ensure decisions are made by those with proper training and on-site knowledge. A plant manager may oversee safety programs but is not automatically the permit issuer. A safety committee member helps plan and advise, but typically does not issue permits. The external regulatory body sets rules and may audit compliance, but it does not issue daily permits at the site.