Lockout/Tagout Training

Lockout/Tagout means that any energy source- whether electrical, hydraulic, mechanical, compressed air, or any other source that might cause unexpected movement- must be disengaged or blocked, and electrical sources must be de-energized and LOCKED or positively sealed in the OFF position.

But even a locked-out machine may not be safe if there are parts of the machine that are not BLOCKED to prevent inadvertent movement. Potential energy that may need to be blocked can come from suspended parts, subject to gravity, or may be energy stored in springs. In a U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics study on injuries related to servicing equipment, 80 percent of the workers surveyed failed to even turn off the equipment before performing the service work.

There is a difference between turning off a machine and actually disengaging or de-energizing a piece of equipment. When you turn off a control switch, you are opening a circuit. There is still electrical energy at the switch, and a short in the switch or someone inadvertently turning on the machine may start the machine running again.

To prevent Lockout/Tagout accidents, federal and state OSHA regulations require every employer to inaugurate and maintain a lockout/tagout program, which shall include but not be limited to the following:

A training program designed to instruct employees in general safe work practices, plus specific instruction with regard to hazards unique to any job assignment.
Schedule periodic inspections to identify and correct any unsafe conditions and work practices that may be found. The employer shall correct any unsafe conditions and work practices found as a result of the required inspections.

The following is what ECR will do for you:

A survey of the equipment by competent and responsible persons who are familiar with its operation and associated hazards, in order to identify which machinery should be locked and blocked out
Identification and labeling of lockout devices
Selection of locks, tags and blocks
A standard operating procedure that is written and followed
Employee training

Last Modified: Tuesday, 2-Sept-2008