The Lock-Out / Tag-Out Program

A Simple Reason Why...

What is LOCKOUT/TAGOUT?

• Lockout is the placement of a lock device on an energy-isolating device to ensure the equipment cannot be operated during equipment maintenance or repair.
• Tagout is the placement of a tag device on an energy-isolating device to warn of the danger of operating, and TO NOT start, the equipment until the tag is properly removed.

LOCKOUT/TAGOUT Goal

• THE ULTIMATE GOAL IS: To implement policies and procedures to prevent, as necessary, the release of hazardous energy from power sources--or from a stored source in machines, equipment or processes.

Circumstances of Injury

How Most Injuries Occur In Order Of Occurrence

• Injured by Moving Machinery Part.
• Made Contact With Energized Part.
• Injured by Physical Hazard (Heat, Chemicals).
• Injured by Falling Machine Part.

Energy Control Program

• THREE ELEMENTS TO THE PROGRAM:
1. ENERGY CONTROL PROCEDURES
2. EMPLOYEE TRAINING
3. PERIODIC INSPECTIONS

Definitions

• Lock-Out / Tag-Out
  The placement of a lock/tag on an energy isolating device, in accordance with an established procedure, to ensure that the energy isolating device and the equipment being controlled cannot be operated until the lock and tag is removed . In addition to tag/lock out, the equipment must be blocked against motion and any residual energy removed.
• Lock-Out Device
  A device that utilizes a positive means such as a key lock to hold an energy isolating device in the safe position and prevents the energizing of equipment

Definition of Employees

• Authorized Employee
  The Person Who Locks or Tags Out Machines To Perform Servicing or Maintenance.
• Affected Employee
  An Employee Whose Job Requires Him or Her To Operate or Use a Machine or Piece of Equipment On Which Servicing or Maintenance Is Being Performed.

Authorized Employees

• Properly plan the job.
• Notify all affected employees in the area of work.
• Shut down the equipment at the operating controls.
• Isolate all energy sources to equipment.
• Lock and tag all isolating devices.
• Dissipate all stored or residual energy sources.
• Verify the isolation.

Training Requirements

• Authorized Employee
• Recognition of Hazardous Energy Sources.
• Type and Magnitude of Energy Sources.
• Energy Isolation and Control Methods.

Affected Employees

• Stay clear of the area as much as possible.
• Never attempt to assist.
• Never interfere or tamper with a lock or tag.
• Report all unusual situations to your supervisor or foreman.

Training Requirements

• Affected Employee - YOU!!!!
  Purpose and Use of the Energy Control Program.

Training Requirements

• All Other Employees
  Procedures and Prohibitions Relating To Attempts to Restart or Reenergize Machines or Equipment Which Are Locked Out or Tagged Out..

Tag-Out

• Identifies problem
• Identifies lockout date
• Identifies person
• Used by itself only when cannot be locked out

Requirements if Tag-Out is Used

• SOME KEY POINTS ABOUT TAGS:
• Tags Are Only Warning Devices!
• Tags Must Be Securely Attached!
• May Evoke False Sense of Security!
• Tags Do Not Provide Physical Restraint!
• Tags Must Never Be Defeated or Ignored!
• Must Withstand Environmental Conditions!
• Tags Must Be Legible and Understandable!
• Tags Are Only Removed by the Responsible Person.

Lockout Device Examples

Who Can Remove Locks/Tags?

• Only the employee who placed the lock and/or tag
• A supervisor, after obtaining permission from the worker who placed the tag

Key Elements to an Effective Program

1. Develop and Strictly Adhere to LO/TO Procedures.
2. Establish and Enforce Safe Work Practices.
3. Ensure Proper Training and Supervision.
4. Strengthen and Modify Present Policies.
5. Understand the Relationship Between 29 CFR 1910.147 And the Business or Industry Involved.

Equipment Requirements

DEVICES AND TAGS MUST BE:

1. Durable
2. Standardized
3. Identifiable
4. Substantial

DEVICES AND TAGS ARE:

1. Designed to Prevent Accidental Energization.
2. Not Designed As a Substitution for Security

Sample Protection Lock

What a typical Lock-Out / Tag-Out looks like with a personal protection lock.

Conclusion

Know the rules:

When In Doubt
"Lock And Tag It Out"

Question(s)