OVERVIEW Control Of Hazardous Energy

What is Lockout / Tagout Lockout / Tagout covers the servicing and maintenance of machines and equipment in which the “unexpected” energization or startup or release of stored energy could cause injury. The standard covers the servicing and maintenance of machines and equipment in which the “unexpected” energization or startup or release of stored energy could cause injury. Anyone working on or around any equipment being serviced is covered by this standard. The standard establishes a minimum performance level for control of hazardous energy. The regulation even states that it provides only the minimum performance level for this potentially life threatening condition. This is where the best practice approach just makes sense when we are talking about a person’s life. We must always keep in mind the intent for this standard and take any and all actions necessary to prevent injuries to the workers. Lockout/Tagout injuries are not that frequent, but when they occur, the severity becomes the concern rather than the frequency. These type of incidents can be fatal.

Why Lockout / Tagout ? 10 percent of serious occupational injuries Approximately 120 deaths per year 28,000 lost work days per year. The standard covers the servicing and maintenance of machines and equipment in which the “unexpected” energization or startup or release of stored energy could cause injury. Anyone working on or around any equipment being serviced is covered by this standard. The standard establishes a minimum performance level for control of hazardous energy. The regulation even states that it provides only the minimum performance level for this potentially life threatening condition. This is where the best practice approach just makes sense when we are talking about a person’s life. We must always keep in mind the intent for this standard and take any and all actions necessary to prevent injuries to the workers. Lockout/Tagout injuries are not that frequent, but when they occur, the severity becomes the concern rather than the frequency. These type of incidents can be fatal.

Applies to Control of Energy Electrical Water under pressure Pneumatic Gravity Hydraulic Thermal Mechanical Fluid and gases The standard applies any time servicing or maintenance is performed on machines or equipment. Work on plug-cord devices is exempted under the standard but should be considered and evaluated for all existing hazards and the probability of accidental energization while performing these type of tasks. Normal production operations, tool changes, minor adjustments, and minor servicing issues are covered under OSHA regulations governing machine guarding; Subpart O. Alternate procedures also must meet the requirements of Subpart O.

APPLICATION LOCKOUT / TAGOUT required if An employee is required to remove a guard or bypass a safety device or Is required to place any part of their body in a place of danger while performing their work. This is one of those areas that can cause some confusion. We just stated that normal production operations are not covered by this section unless: An employee is required to remove or bypass a guard or other safety device, or place any part of their body in a “point-of-operation” area, or where an associated danger zone exists during the machine operating cycle, then the requirements of lockout will apply. Too many times an employee says, “I’m just going to reach in between the cycles, or while the equipment is in mid-cycle.” These are the cases we normally read about. These actions need to be prohibited and lockout/tagout can prevent those type actions.

MATERIALS / HARDWARE Provided by employer Singularly identified Not used for other purposes Durable Standardized Substantial The standard states that the employer has the responsibility to provide all hardware needed to perform effective lockout/tagout. The equipment used (locks and tags) are to be used specifically for lockout/tagout and must be able to be identified as equipment used for this particular process. Equipment is to be used only for lockout/tagout and may not be used for any other purpose, such as locking the employee’s toolbox or other such conditions. The equipment used must be durable and able to withstand weather and environmental conditions in the locations they are to be attached. Locks and tags are to be considered in this process. Inside, outside and unusual circumstance must be considered when evaluating the needs for lockout/tagout. Equipment must be standardized by size, color or similar process and must be able to be linked or identifiable to the person who attached to device. All devices must be substantial and able to provide the needed protection for the worker that applied the lockout.

MATERIALS/HARDWARE — Continued Lockout locks with photo of individuals. Plug lockout device suitable for use where plug is not under exclusive control of the person performing the service or maintenance.

TRAINING Authorized Employee Recognition of hazardous energy sources Type and magnitude of energy in workplace Methods for energy isolation/control The standard specifies three categories of individuals that must be trained. The first group is the “Authorized Employee.” By definition this is the person who performs the deenergization of the machine or equipment and attaches the lockout device. The authorized employee must be trained on the general information about the Hazardous Energy Control program. Then purpose and function of the program need to be understood by all employees and the knowledge and skills required for the safe application, usage and removal of the energy controls have been met for the employees. In addition, each authorized employee must be trained on the recognition of applicable hazardous energy sources, the type and magnitude of energy available in the workplace. Training also must include the method and means necessary to isolate and control all appropriate energy sources for each type of machine or equipment to be locked out.

TRAINING — Continued Affected Employee Purpose/use of energy control procedure Affected employees also need to be trained on the general information regarding the hazardous energy control program. The purpose and function should be emphasized and any other appropriate information to the organization’s program explained. Specific training for each affected employee should cover the purpose and use of the energy control procedures. This training involves what the affected employee can expect to see and how they are part of this system. Interaction with the authorized employee is expected in many cases when repair or service is performed on equipment that is being operated.

OVERVIEW Control Of Hazardous Energy