/ Lockout/Tagout – An Overview | 1

Lockout/Tagout – An Overview

Lockout/Tagout – An Overview

OSHA statistics show that six percent of all deaths in the workplace result from unexpected activation of a machine or piece of equipment during maintenance or other servicing. In addition, more than 25,000 workdays are lost each year because of injuries in similar situations.

OSHA developed the Lockout/Tagout regulations because of the injuries related to the unexpected activation of machinery.

The regulations at 29 CFR 1910.147 require employers to develop specific procedures for isolating energy sources when servicing or maintaining their equipment and machinery. The purpose of the standard is to prevent injuries from unexpected start-up or the release of energy.

Lockout/Tagout is a warning and prevention system for unexpected startup and release of stored energy. The two terms which directly relate to the system are:

  • Lockout—The placement of a device that blocks the flow of energy from a power source to a piece of equipment.
  • Tagout—The process of attaching a tag to a disconnect switch, or other energy isolating device, to warn others not to restore energy to the tagged equipment.

When performing Lockout/Tagout on equipment and machines, the operators and people working in the area need to be informed that Lockout/Tagout is being applied and servicing is being performed on the equipment and machines.

Who is Affected?

Lockout/Tagout involves three types of employees with different levels of responsibility—authorized, affected and other.

  • Authorized—Employees who perform the servicing, maintenance and set-up of equipment or machinery and apply the locks and tags to such equipment.
  • Affected—Employees who operate or use the equipment or machines which are locked/tagged out when serviced, maintained or set-up and do not aid in the Lockout/Tagout.
  • Other—Employees who are neither affected nor authorized employees.

Lockout Device Basics

  • Lockout devices must be durable and substantial.
  • The lockout device must identify the person who applied the lock.
  • Lockout devices should only be removed by the person who applied them.

Employee Training

OSHA regulations state that employees shall be trained in the requirements of Lockout/Tagout if they will be affected. They shall be instructed “in the purpose and use of the energy control procedures.”

Training Tips

  • Review 29 SCFR 1910.147—The control of hazardous energy.
  • Using the employee handout, review the requirements for the company’s Lockout/Tagout program.
  • Show examples of isolating device, locks and tags that are used in your facility.

For more information see 29 CFR 1910.147—The control of hazardous energy.

Lockout/Tagout—An OverviewHandout 1

OSHA statistics show that six percent of all deaths in the workplace result from unexpected activation of a machine or other piece of equipment during maintenance or other servicing.

OSHA developed the Lockout/Tagout regulations which require employers to develop procedures for isolating energy sources when servicing or maintaining equipment and machinery.

Lockout/Tagout is a warning and prevention system for unexpected startup and release of stored energy.

Who is Affected?

Lockout/Tagout involves three types of employees with different levels of responsibility—authorized, affected and other.

  • Authorized—Employees who perform the servicing, maintenance and set-up of equipment or machinery and apply the locks and tags to the equipment.
  • Affected—Employees who operate or use the equipment or machines which are locked/tagged out when serviced, maintained or set-up, but cannot aid in Lockout/Tagout.
  • Other—Employees who are neither affected nor authorized employees.

Lockout Device Basics

  • Lockout devices must be durable and substantial.
  • The lockout device must identify the person who applied the lock.
  • Lockout devices should only be removed by the person who applied them.

Harmful Effects of the Release of Hazardous Energy

Injuries resulting from the failure to control hazardous energy during maintenance activities can be serious or fatal. Injuries may include electrocution, burns, crushing, laceration, amputations, and others. Examples of not following the Lockout/Tagout procedures such as those below can cause significant hazards.

  • A steam valve is automatically turned on burning workers who are

repairing a downstream connection in the piping.

  • A jammed conveyor system suddenly releases, crushing a worker

who is trying to clear the jam.

  • Internal wiring on a piece of factory equipment electrically shorts

shocking the employee who is repairing the equipment.

Lockout/Tagout-An Overview Sign–Off Sheet

The employees of ______Company Name______, have taken part in a training session Lockout/Tagout—An Overview. The session covered:

  • The reason for Lockout/Tagout and how it protects workers.
  • Authorized and Affected employees.
  • The hazards of tampering with tags and locks.

Date of Training: / Facility:
Employee Signature / PRINT NAME

______

Supervisor’s Signature