Review a Permit Application
This article explains how to review a permit application before work begins and what to check during the approval process. Use it when a subcontractor has submitted a permit and it is awaiting review so a site host or GC site team can decide whether to approve or reject it.
What this means
- A permit application is a request to perform high-risk work (for example hot works, confined space, ground disturbance).
- Reviewing a permit application is the approval step where the site team checks the details are correct and the required controls and documents are in place.
When you’ll use this
- A new permit has been submitted and is showing as pending review/approval.
- You need to confirm the permit dates, location, and scope are correct before work starts.
- You need to decide whether to approve, reject, or request changes (depending on your workflow).
Step-by-step
Common issues
Permit is missing key information or has vague answers
What to check
- Whether required questions were answered fully (not left blank or unclear)
- Whether conditional fields should have appeared but weren’t completed
What to do
- Reject or request corrections according to your site process, and ask the subcontractor to resubmit with complete details
Supporting documents are missing (for example RAMS)
What to check
- Whether the permit application requires documents to be uploaded as part of submission
What to do
- Do not approve until the required documents are attached and reviewed (follow your site process)
Confusion about who can close a permit
What to check
- Whether the permit is configured to allow workers to close it or only hosts can close it
What to do
- Follow your configured workflow: subcontractors typically submit and manage “open/on-hold” transitions, while hosts/GC site team handle approval and closure rules based on setup
Why this matters
- Permits are a core compliance control for high-risk work
- A consistent, documented review reduces safety risk and creates a clearer audit trail for the site
Need help?
If you can’t find the permit application, the approval buttons aren’t available, or you’re unsure which workflow applies (open, on-hold, close), contact your site admin to confirm your permissions and the permit configuration for that site.
If you require any assistance or have a question, please contact our Support Team on +44 7400 977 382 or email us at support@breadcrumb.co, and we'll be happy to help.