Lockout-Tagout is about controlling and preventing a bad situation when maintenance or service work is being done on equipment or a machine. It is a way to control the release of hazardous energy to protect against unexpected start-up or motion.
But I do not work on things!
Even if you are not a person who works on things, but are the operator or simply in an area where work is being performed, you are considered an affected employee and need to know that removing a lockout-tagout device or attempting to start or energize anything that has been locked or tagged out is prohibited.
Energy sources include electrical, mechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic, chemical, thermal, or other sources in machines and equipment, that can be hazardous to workers. Hazardous energy also includes gravity; blocking or securing items that can rotate or fall should not be overlooked.
What if I do work on thing?
Workers servicing or maintaining equipment are considered to be authorized users and must be trained to understand the equipment, the energy sources, and the methods and means for isolating and controlling hazardous energy. Every authorized user of lockout-tagout must have appropriate energy isolating devices & tools to work with and understand specific procedures.
Control hazardous energy & protect workers
- Implement lockout/tagout (LOTO), securing, and blocking practices and procedures.
- Ensure that new or overhauled equipment is capable of being locked out.
- Use only lockout/tagout devices that are durable, standardized, and substantial.
- Ensure that lockout/tagout devices identify the individual users.
- Only the employee who applied a lockout/tagout device can remove it.
- Train all employees to recognize what a lockout/tagout device is and train on specific procedures for those using these devices.
Risk Mgmt/Loss Ctrl Mgr