Who is this article for?

Administrators responsible for managing permits.

Administrator role and Permits module access are required.

The Permit Types configuration defines how SafetyStratus manages applications, reviews, and approvals, including what forms applicants complete, how reviews and approvals are routed, and special conditions, compliance checks, and notifications.

1. Understanding permit types

Each permit type controls the lifecycle of permits to fit your organisation's operational and regulatory needs. The configuration is located in Edit Forms > Permits.

Examples of permit type configurations:

• In academia, separate permit types for Biosafety and Chemical Use
• In manufacturing, a single Hot Work permit type with custom approval steps for safety engineers
• In construction, Confined Space Entry permits with mandatory equipment checks before approval

2. Creating or editing a permit type

To create a new permit type or edit an existing one, follow these steps:

1. Go to Edit Forms.
2. Select Permits.
3. Select New Permit Type to create a new type, or choose an existing type to edit.

3. Configuring core permit settings

The core settings define the basic properties and behaviour of your permit type:

• Description – The display name of the permit. Appears in email templates (%permit_type%), Data Manager > Permits dropdowns, and the Permit Authorisations view. Example: Radiation Use Permit
• Abbreviation – Used for permit numbering and email templates (%permit_abbreviation%). Example: RAD-00123
• Duration (Years) – Validity period from issue date. Example: A three-year biosafety permit
• Permitted Type – Defines the scope of the permit. User (linked to an individual) is recommended. Other types are being phased out. Example: A principal investigator-specific radiation permit
• Permit Status – Active (usable), Inactive (read-only), Archived (hidden but stored). Example: Archive old permit types for historical tracking

4. Setting access and visibility controls

These settings control who can see what information within the permit workflow:

• Anonymous Review – Hides approver names and comments from non-administrators. Use case: Confidential biosafety review committee
• Show Application Form in Permit View – Lets users view the submitted form and subforms after submission. Use case: Hot work permits where workers need ongoing reference
• Permit for Radioactive Materials? – Enables radiation-specific fields and workflows. Use case: Isotope limits and handling details
• Biosafety Permit? – Activates biosafety features like biosafety level filters. Use case: University biosafety level two and biosafety level three approvals
• Chemical Concern Permit? – Integrates with Chemical Inventory to restrict actions on regulated chemicals unless a permit is approved. Use case: High-hazard solvent storage in manufacturing

5. Assigning forms to permit types

Each permit type requires specific forms for different stages of the permit lifecycle:

• Permit Application Form – Main application form for new permits
• Permit Amendment Form – Used for updating approved permits. Non-radiation permits often reuse the application form
• Permit Renewal Form – Extends an existing permit, often identical to application form