Lockout/Tagout is a series of steps taken by employees to isolate, dissipate, or otherwise prevent unexpected start up of equipment that could cause injury. The premise is simple and straightforward, however, detailed planning and intimate knowledge of the equipment is paramount. For example, say a tunnel washer needs servicing. Before the maintenance employee can begin work, he must make sure the equipment cannot be turned on. He/she can do this by tripping the circuit breaker and then placing a lock on the switch so someone else does not energize the unit while it is being serviced. However, it may not be this simple and there may be other dangers.

 

A good Lockout/Tagout program is exhaustive and meticulously detailed. Tunnel and rack washers, conveyors, and other automated equipment are capable of injuring employees in numerous ways.

 

The OSHA standard for the control of hazardous energy, 29CFR1910.147, covers servicing and maintenance of machines and equipment where accidental start up or release of stored energy can harm workers. It requires employers to establish a program and use procedures to lockout or tagout energy sources, and to otherwise disable machines or equipment to prevent injury to employees. The first step is to develop a written program documenting the techniques and devices to be used, authorizing personnel, describing the training, and providing for program evaluation and compliance. Identify covered equipment with proper warning signs. Employers must provide needed Lockout/Tagout devices to trained and authorized personnel.

 

The cardinal rule is “one lock, one key” to prevent inadvertent removal by another employee. Clearly label each lock with durable tags to identify the worker assigned to the lock. In general, the worker who installs a lock is the one who removes it after all work has been completed. The written program should have procedures on how to deal with maintenance or service that spans shift changes, special situations, and other absences.

 

From Everyone Wins with LOTO by the Safety Guys