Controlling Hazardous Energy Lockout/Tagout

Definitions

Lockout: The placement of a lockout device on an energy isolating device to ensure that the equipment being controlled cannot be operated until the lockout device is removed Tagout: The placement of a tagout device on an energy isolating device to indicate the equipment being controlled may not be operated until the tagout device is removed

De-energizing Equipment

Shut down the machine or equipment Isolate the machine or equipment from the energy sources Apply the lockout or tagout device(s) to the energy isolating device(s) Safely release all potentially hazardous stored or residual energy Verify the isolation of the machine or equipment prior to the start of servicing work

Stored Energy

If there is a possibility of reaccumulation of stored energy to a hazardous level, verification of isolation shall be continued until the possibility of such accumulation no longer exists

Re-energizing Equipment

Ensure that machine or equipment components are operationally intact Ensure that all employees are safely positioned or removed from equipment Ensure that lockout or tagout devices are removed from each energy isolation device by the employ who applied the device

Lockout/Tagout Requirements

If an energy isolating device is not capable of being locked out, the employers energy control program shall utilize a tagout system

Lock-out / Tag-out
Electrical Policy: Electrical panels must be manned at all times while open and or being worked on. With the exception of when work is being performed on or in electrical panels, and the electrical panels are manned, all electrical panels must be closed at all times. Prior to any work being performed on an electrical panel, the power to the panel must be turned off, and checked to make sure the power is off.

Lock-out / Tag-out

When a problem with a breaker occurs in an electrical panel, make sure the breaker is in the off position, place electrical tape (not other tape is allowed), over the breaker in such a manner so-as-to- not allow the breaker to be turned on without removal of the tape. Close the panel box, lock the panel cover if that feature is available, place a sign on the panel door noting the problem, the breaker number, and clearly indicate that the panel box is not to be opened by anyone but authorized and qualified repair personnel.

Lock-out / Tag-out

Be sure the sign is attached to the cover in such a manner that it cannot fall off and must be physically removed. Attach the electrical lock-out tag to the panel cover in addition to the sign. Unless you are the qualified district electrician, this lock-out must not be removed or tampered with. Lock any additional doors to the equipment, i.e. vault room, and place sign on the door indicating No Admittance Electrical Work in progress Danger

Lock-out / Tag-out

In any electrical panel or breaker problem, report the problem to the site administrator, the custodial staff on all shifts, and the maintenance department. In the case of a non-emergency, a standard online work order can be used to notify the maintenance department. In the case of an emergency or urgent problem, call the maintenance department director for assistance and notification. In all cases, follow-up with an on-line work order and document the problem with dates, times, and names.

Lock-out / Tag-out

For faulty electrical with powered equipment, disconnect the power to the unit completely by turning off the breaker, and disconnecting the power cord if possible. Place a sign in the same manner as the panel box above. Also state the problem with the unit if know and any hazards such as potential electrical shock. Install the lock-out tag on the power on switch and tape the switch in the off position with electrical tape. Inform essential personnel and staff that use the equipment.

Lock-out / Tag-out

The lock-out tag must include certain information. This includes the name of the person installing the tag. This tag can only be removed by the person originally installing it or a qualified electrician.

Lock-out / Tag-out
The removed tag must be returned to the custodial office and saved in a file that contains an explanation of: The electrical problem How the problem was handled Who found the problem Who installed the lock-out tag Who reported the problem Who repaired the problem Who removed the lock-out tag This is best served in an on-going report on the problem. Documentation is everything.

Lock-out / Tag-out
What Documentation Does: Gives you a great resource to follow-up with. Provides compliance with regulations. Instills a sense of completion to a problem. Provides exacting steps that need to be done as long as the file is open, which lends to a greater safety factor to all staff and students. Provides information for future reference.

Lock-out / Tag-out

What Timely Reporting Does Puts the people who need to fix the problem on notice. (Always ask for a return call or message to be sure your message got to the person you need.) Provides you with the right information when asked. Follows the proper regulations and guidelines. Offers the repair people the opportunity to get to the problem quicker. Allows the problem to be taken care of faster.

Lock-out / Tag-out

The same procedure for electrical panels must be followed for all mechanical equipment, and machinery. Lock-out / Tag-out procedures include air handlers, floor cleaning machines, vehicles, fork lifts, and all other equipment that is either motorized, pinches, grabs, lifts, or moves or operates by a power source or under

Summary

Electricity can be helpful and also dangerous, if not respected. Safety procedures must be followed in order to protect everyone when dealing with electrical. Lock-out / Tag-out procedures for electrical must be followed to help ensure safety and regulatory compliance. Lock-out / Tag-out includes other equipment besides electrical and must have the same reporting and documentation.

Device Requirements

Durable: Lockout and tagout devices must withstand the environment to which they are exposed for the maximum duration Standardized: Both lockout and tagout devices must be standardized according to either color, shape, or size Tagout devices must also be standardized according to print and format

Device Requirements

Substantial: Lockout and tagout devices must be substantial enough to minimize early or accidental removal Identifiable: Locks and tags must clearly identify the employee who applies them.

Tag Requirements

Tags must also include a legend such as:

Do not start Do not open Do not close Do not energize Do not operate

Tagout Tags

Lockout Device

Group Lockout

Tagout Tag