A Permit to Load is a formal, written authorization issued by the Temporary Works Coordinator (TWC) that confirms a temporary works structure (such as formwork, scaffolding, or falsework) has been inspected, found to be compliant with its design, and is safe to be subjected to its intended load (such as concrete, materials, or workers). It is a key control document in the temporary works management process, serving as the final checkpoint before the structure is put into service. It is typically issued after inspection and sign-off by a competent person.
Explanation of the Term “Permit To Load”
The Permit to Load is not just a piece of paperwork; it is the culmination of the design, erection, and inspection process. Its issuance signifies that all necessary safety checks have been completed and formally documented.
The primary purposes of a Permit to Load are:
- To Prevent Premature Loading: It ensures that a temporary structure is not used until it has been officially verified as safe and secure. This prevents accidents caused by loading a structure that has been incorrectly assembled or is incomplete.
- To Establish a Clear Point of Handover: The permit formally hands over the completed temporary works from the erection crew to the team that will be using it (e.g., the concrete pouring team).
- To Provide a Formal Record: It creates a documented audit trail. In the event of an incident, the permit system provides clear evidence that proper procedures were followed.
A TWC will only issue a Permit to Load after they have received and reviewed all necessary supporting documentation. In construction and temporary works management, the Permit to Load ensures that no structural element is subjected to load (e.g., placing concrete on formwork or using scaffolding platforms) until it has been:
- Properly erected according to the approved design,
- Inspected and verified for safety and stability,
- Confirmed to be free from defects or deviations.
The permit is part of a permit-to-work system and is usually signed off by:
- The Temporary Works Coordinator (TWC),
- The Temporary Works Designer (TWD), if required,
- Or a site engineer or safety officer with appropriate authority.
This process prevents premature loading that could lead to structural failure, worker injury, or delays due to rework.
Example of a Permit to Load in Practice
Scenario: Following on from the erection of the falsework for the second-floor concrete slab on the multi-story building project.
- Erection and Inspection Complete: The Temporary Works Supervisor (TWS) has supervised the erection of the falsework. They have completed their final inspection, checked every component against the design, and are satisfied it has been built correctly. The TWS signs their inspection and handover certificate.
- Request for Permit: The TWS submits the signed certificate to the Temporary Works Coordinator (TWC). This action serves as a formal request for the Permit to Load.
- TWC’s Final Review: The TWC takes the signed certificate and conducts their own final review. They may perform their own visual inspection of the falsework, and they will check the certificate against the approved design drawings to ensure nothing has been missed. They confirm all required checks are complete.
- Issuing the Permit: Once fully satisfied, the TWC completes the formal Permit to Load document. The permit will state:
- The specific location and description of the temporary works (e.g., “Second Floor Slab Falsework, Gridlines A-C / 1-4”).
- The maximum load it is designed to carry (e.g., “Safe working load for 250mm thick wet concrete slab”).
- The date and time of issuance.
- The TWC’s signature.
- Authorization to Work: The TWC provides a copy of the signed Permit to Load to the supervisor of the concrete pouring team. This is their formal authorization to begin work. Without this permit, the concrete pumps would not be allowed to start.
- Loading Commences: The concrete team, now holding the permit, begins pouring the concrete onto the formwork, confident that the falsework beneath it has been professionally designed, erected, and inspected, and is safe to carry the immense weight. The permit is displayed at the work area.
In this workflow, the Permit to Load acts as the final, critical “gate,” ensuring that the risk of a falsework collapse during the high-stakes concrete pour is minimized.