6.1 Purpose

To outline the (Lock Out/Tag Out) isolation procedure to be used when repairing, maintaining, or servicing equipment from which the unexpected release of hazardous (radiant or electrical) energy would cause injury.

6.2 Authorization

Only manufacturer technicians or University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio (UTHSCSA) employees trained to operate the machinery or equipment

are authorized to lock and tag out machinery or equipment. Only workplace Supervisors/Leaders with advice from Environmental Health and Safety (EH&S), Physical Safety Division (PSD) personnel are authorized to remove lock out devices.

6.3Lock Out/Tag Out Procedure: Use the following procedure to safely isolate energized equipment prior to starting maintenance or repairs:

  1. Prepare to isolate the machine or equipment item by:

(1)Surveying the area to locate switches valves, and energy sources.

(2)Review Standard Operating/Shutdown Procedure “before” attempting lock out/tag out

  1. Notify:

(1)Facilities Management Utilities Control (FMUC),

(2)Director, EH&S

(3)University Police (only if lock out/tag out will extend beyond the duty day or breeches campus or building security

(4)Shop and area personnel

  1. If the machine or equipment is operational, shut it down according to manufacturer specifications or UTHSCSA Facilities Management guidelines
  2. Open electrical disconnect (off position) to isolate the equipment or machinery from its primary energy source
  3. Secure (Lock out/tag out) energy-isolating lever with locks or tags
  4. Insure machinery/equipment energy has been isolated by attempting to move the operating lever to the “on” or “operating” position
  5. Insure all (panel) indicator lights are off, pressure gauges are at zero, and isolation valves correctly configured or closed

6.4. Restoring Machines or Equipment to Normal Production Operations: The following steps must be followed to reapply energy to equipment or machinery:

  1. Insure service or repair technician is on hand to verify the machine or equipment is ready to be put back into service
  2. Check the surrounding area to ensure nonessential items (tools and debris) have been cleared from the area around the machine or equipment
  3. Check work area to insure personnel have moved to a safe area (at least 70 feet away form the equipment being tested
  4. Verify controls are in “Neutral” or “Off”

ONLY MAINTENANCE AND SERVICE TECHNICIANS ARE AUTHORIZED TO PUT THE MACHINE OR EQUIPMENT BACK INTO SERVICE

  1. Remove lockout devices
  2. Inform area supervisor that lock out tag has been remove. Maintenance or service personnel are responsible for informing the supervisor when the machine or equipment is ready for service.

Testing or Repositioning During Maintenance or Servicing: If the equipment or machine requires testing or re-positioning during the maintenance or servicing procedure, remove locks and tags according to the procedures outlined in 4A- F. When testing or repositioning is complete, restore lock out/tag out devices according to procedures outlined in Section 6.2.

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