Procedures,
devices, and personnel must be set in place to prevent a serious
injury or death that could occur when someone thinks something
is safely off. To ensure machines and equipment, remain off means
to establish a “program consisting of energy control procedures,
employee training, and periodic inspections . . . “, as
described in the OSHA standard. The standard also identifies products
used for lockout/tagout, such as lockout devices and tagout devices.
The
following are 7 steps to help you create an effective and safe
Lockout/Tagout Program |
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1.
Be Aware of the Lockout Regulations
Become familiar with the federal regulations known as The Control
of Hazardous Energy (Lockout/Tagout). OSHA 29 CFR § 1910.147
states the Control of Hazardous Energy (Lockout/Tagout) “.
. .requires the employers to establish a program and utilize procedures
for affixing appropriate lockout devices or tagout devices to
energy isolating devices, and to otherwise disable machines or
equipment to prevent unexpected energization, start-up or release
of stored energy in order to prevent injury to employees.
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2.
Develop List of Machinery and Equipment
Survey your facility for all machinery and equipment that have
the potential for requiring lockout. |
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3.
Identify and Mark Energy Sources and Lockout Points
Locate and document start-up areas of energy sources, such as:
• Mechanical
• Electrical
• Hydraulic
• Thermal
• Pressure
• Process Control
• Stored Energy (Gravity and Springs) |
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4.
Determine the Lockout Controls
Identify and document the necessary devices that isolate and lockout
energy sources, and secure them for on-site use. Standardize the
devices for various functions for proper identification. |
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5.
Set-up Lockout Training and Procedure Program
Develop, standardize and document the lockout process—for
each energy source. Identify employees’ level of involvement
in the program—those that are made aware, affected, and
to perform the lockout procedures. Accomplish this through comprehensive
training programs and certifications. |
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6.
Implement the Lockout Program
Initiate and enact the lockout/tagout program that follows the
training procedures. Post reminders and have the necessary lockout/tagout
devices readily available. |
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7.
Review Lockout Program
Identify and document changes to existing lockout procedures and
new energy sources that require lockout. Make corrections, changes
and additions tot he program. Conduct periodic review of lockout
procedures (required at least annually) to ensure they are up
to date and requirements are being met. |
Note:
Safety Hasps are ideal when more than one worker or procedure
is required on locked out equipment. A hasp accommodates up to
six padlocks (sold separately with shackle diameter up to 9/32”).
They can help ensure the energy source stays shut off by staying
closed—on a switch, fuse box, lever, etc.—with multiple
workers’ padlocks in the holes of the closed hasps. As each
worker, assigned to a padlock, completes their task, they remove
their padlock. The hasp cannot be removed from the locked-out
energy source until the last padlock is removed. |
Copyright
© 2003 Accuform Signs. All rights reserved. This information
is provided “as is”, in the form of an informational
guide, and is not to be considered a warranty of product performance.
Due to the diverse field conditions and other variables which
can affect a product’s performance, Calolympic Safety disclaims
all warranties (expressed and implied) as to any product’s
performance or any information provided. |
