Permits to work are required under legislation in respect of entry into a confined space under WHS and OHS legislation. They are also cited as a method of risk control in respect of working near robots.A permit to work must be issued by a PCBU or employer at a workplace where a person is to enter a confined space. As always this is vague as to who should issue the permit in the contractor context.However, if we think about it in terms of the right of an employer to engage and rely upon specialist contractors, whose work may include entry of a confined space it is my view that the employer with the obligation to issue a confined space permit is the contractor undertaking the work which involves entering a confined space.Note: employers at a workplace that has confined spaces present must ensure all confined spaces are identified.