LOCKOUT/TAGOUT: CONTROL OF HAZARDOUS

ENERGY

Introduction

Many industrial accidents are caused by the unexpected energization or start up of machines or equipment or by the uncontrolled release of energy.

These accidents can be prevented by proper LOCKOUT/TAGOUT procedures. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulates lockout/tagout through the Control of Hazardous Energy standard, found at 29 CFR 1910.147. This standard mandates training, audits and recordkeeping to ensure that workers will not be injured unintentionally energized equipment.

What is Lockout/Tagout

Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) is a safety procedure which is used in industry and research settings to ensure that dangerous machines are properly shut off and not started up again prior to the completion of maintenance or servicing work.

Lockout

is the process of preventing the flow of energy from a power source to a piece of equipment and keeping it from operating.

Tagout

is accomplished by placing a tag on the power source.

It acts as a warning not to restore energy – it is not a physical restraint.

What must be Locked or Tagged Out

The control of hazardous energy standard (lockout/tagout) covers servicing and maintenance of equipment where expected energization or start-up of equipment could harm employees.

Controlling Energy Sources

Electrical Mechanical Pneumatc Hydrolic Chemical Water Under Pressure Gravity Potential

Energy Control Programs

Lockout/Tagout Procedure Employee Training Periodic InspectionsEmployers must identify and differentiate

between authorized and affected employees

Some problems of hazardous energy

Accidental start-ups Electrical shock Release of stored, residual or potential

energy

Failure to control hazardous energy sources caused

10 percent of serious industrial accidents 33,000 lost work days each year Loss of about 100 lives each year

Lockout Procedure

Preparing for a Shutdown Performing a Shutdown Isolating equipment and applying lockout

devices Safe release of stored energy Verify the machine is locked out Restoring Power

Trainings and Requrements

All authorized employee be trained in recognition of applicable hazardous energy sources, the type and magnitude of hazardous energy sources in use at the facility, and how to perform the lockout/tagout procedure.

All affected employees must be trained in the purpose and the use of lockout/tagout.

All other employees must be instructed on the purpose on the plan, but not in the actual use.

Periodic inspections or audits are performed by an authorized employee who does not use the energy control procedure being inspected.

Retraining must be done when there are changes in equipment, job assignment, or procedures, when an audit shows deficiencies with procedure, and when the employer feels the procedures should be reviewed.

Working at Working Safely

Always lock and tag power sources and switches when you service or repair energized equipment.

Never ignore and remove the locks and tags of other employees when you come across them in the workplace.

Know your role as an authorized or affected employee.

Locks and Tags

Laminated Plastic Tags Make Your Own Laminated Tag

Safety Lockout Devices Twin Opening Lock Out

Padlock Style Lock out Seven Lock Lockout

Tamperproof Lockout