See the example of the lock and hasp combination in Figure 1 below. The locking device (or lockout device) can be any device that has the ability to secure the energy-isolating device in a safe position. In most cases, these devices will have loops or tabs which can be locked to a stationary item in a safe position (de-energized position). The energy-isolating device can be a manually operated disconnect switch, a circuit breaker, a line valve, or a block (Note: push buttons, selection switches and other circuit control switches are not considered energy-isolating devices). In practice, lockout is the isolation of energy from the system (a machine, equipment, or process) which physically locks the system in a safe mode. See the OSH Answers Hazardous Energy Control Programs for a description of the types of hazardous energy, and required elements of a control program. Lockout is one way to control hazardous energy. Our experts can answer your questions about the auditing process and devise a review process to meet your needs.Lockout is defined in the Canadian standard CSA Z460-20 "Control of Hazardous Energy - Lockout and Other Methods" as the "placement of a lockout device on an energy-isolating device in accordance with an established procedure." A lockout device is "a mechanical means of locking that uses an individually keyed lock to secure an energy-isolating device in a position that prevents energization of a machine, equipment, or a process." Rockwell Automation is a global leader in providing lockout/tagout services to a wide range of industries. If the review is conducted thoroughly and with a focus on safety, employers can correct possible deficiencies before they result in consequences. It is also important to confirm that employees understand their responsibilities under each procedure and are able to follow steps properly.Īn annual review of your lockout/tagout program is the perfect opportunity for employers to identify possible weaknesses in their program and help to ensure that all employees are safe from injuries resulting from the inadvertent energization of equipment. An audit helps determine if the procedures are providing adequate protection to employees and if any changes are needed. OSHA requires organizations to review procedures annually. Identify and Correct Deficiencies: Ensure Employees Know Responsibilities Generic procedures should only be used for simple machines, with a maximum of two to three energy sources. When choosing to employ a generic procedure, care should be taken to only group equipment with the same energy source types and methods for isolation. It may be possible to create a generic lockout/tagout procedure to be used on a group of similar equipment. The procedure should identify the following machine-specific information including description of machine, location, energy sources and methods of controlling those sources. That is, a specific lockout/tagout procedure should be developed for each individual piece of equipment. Lockout/tagout procedures should be machine specific. Specific exemption criteria can be found in the standard: 1910.147(c)(4)(i). Procedures are also not needed for simple, single-energy source machines. Equipment that is not owned by the employer and not serviced by employees does not need a written procedure. Lockout/tagout procedures must be developed for any machine with two or more sources of lockable and/or residual energy. Learn More About OSHA's Compliance Requirements Want more LOTO procedures information? Learn about equipment exemptions, authorized employee requirements, procedure documentation and more in this must-read eBook. By partnering with employers and safety specialists, OSHA has led the way in dramatically reducing workplace deaths.Īre you and your company adequately prepared with fully developed lockout/tagout procedures? Could you use some guidance on OSHA lockout/tagout regulations? Our team of safety engineers provides consultation and guidance for procedure creation and documentation for machines of all types. Machine-specific lockout/tagout procedures guide an authorized employee through a sequential process that renders a piece of equipment safe to maintenance.įor production facilities based in the United States, adherence to compliance requirements for lockout/tagout procedures is managed by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). Stated plainly, it’s when everything has been shut off completely. Lockout/tagout procedures are written steps used for affixing lockout or tagout devices to energy isolation devices to bring a machine to a zero-energy state, the point at which the equipment has been safely isolated from any chances of re-energization or release of internal contained energy. Protect Employees with Lockout/Tagout Policies and Procedures
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