Lockout/Tagout

Establishing a written Lockout/Tagout policy is an important step for any organization that deals with potentially hazardous energy sources. When servicing or maintaining a machine or equipment an employee faces unexpected energizing, start up, or release of stored energy that could case injury or death.

The preferred safety method is a lockout, which is the placement of a locking device on an energy isolating device that ensures the equipment being controlled can not be operated until the device is removed. Along with a lockout device a warning tag should be placed, which will identify each lock. This tag should not be removed except by the employee who placed it on the equipment at the completion of the work requiring lockout procedure.

A machine or equipment that is not capable of being lockout then a tagout should be utilized. A tagout is the placement of a tag on an energy isolating device to indicate that the device may not be operated until the tagout is removed. If the machine or equipment contains high voltage or pressure two employees should be involved in the process of tagging the device. One employee shall be at the disconnect area, while the other person performs the repair, installation, or testing.

According to OHSA the most critical requirements are:

1. Develop, implement, and enforce an energy control program

2. Use lockout devices for equipment that can be locked out. Tagout devices may be used in lieu of lockout devices only if the tagout program provides employee protection equivalent to that provides through a lockout program.

3. Ensure that new or overhauled equipment is capable of being locked out.

4. Develop, implement, and enforce an effective tagout program if machines or equipment are not capable of being locked out.

5. Document and Evaluate the energy control procedures.

6. Use only lockout/tagout devices authorized for the particular equipment or machinery and ensure that they are durable, standardized, and substantial.

7. Ensure that lockout/tagout devices identify the individual users.

8. Establish a policy that permits only the employee who applied a lockout/tagout device to remove it.

9. Inspect energy control procedures at least annually.

10. Provide effective training as mandated for all employees covered by the standard.

11. Comply with the additional energy control provisions in OHSA standards when machines or equipment must be tested or repositioned when outside contractors work at the site, in group lockout situations, and during shift or personnel changes.

***For further compliance requirements of OHSA standards please refer to Title 29 of the Code of Federal Regulations.***

A sample lockout/tagout policy from the University of Notre Dame can be found here: Sample Policy.


References:
http://www.ohsa.gov/
http://riskmgt.nd.edu/