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Lockout tagout procedures
Controlling hazardous energy in 8 steps
Manufacturing facilities are usually abuzz with machines running and operators ensuring production goals are met. But, occasionally, equipment needs to undergo maintenance or be serviced. And when that happens, a safety procedure called lockout tagout (LOTO) is set into motion to prevent an unexpected startup or release of stored energy. Equipment is shut down, locked out and tagged, and is basically non-operational. Or is it?
Accidents resulting from improper LOTO procedures do, unfortunately, occur. In fact, they are often in OSHA’s annual list of the Top 10 Most Frequently Cited Standards.[1] Failure to contain hazardous energy can cause serious injuries to workers (or even death) caused by burns, crushing, lacerating, amputating or fracturing body parts.[2] And, workplaces can incur fines, too, if it’s determined OSHA’s standard for lockout tagout wasn’t followed.
This standard, The Control of Hazardous Energy (Lockout/Tagout) (29 CFR 1910.147), outlines measures for controlling different types of hazardous energy.[3] This is incredibly important to workplaces and workers alike, as compliant lockout tagout programs can prevent workplace injuries and even death.
Long BEFORE a lockout happens …
If you’re updating or adding new machines and equipment to the workplace, it’s natural to think ahead about how you’ll train your personnel. But before this happens, you’ll need to write energy-control procedures for the equipment that outline the scope, authorization, rules and techniques employees will use.[4] Specifically, you’ll need to include:
- How to use procedures
- Steps to shut down, isolate, block and secure machines
- Steps to place and remove lockout tagout devices
- How to identify responsibility for lockout tagout devices
- A process for testing machines to verify lockout devices and other energy-control measures are effective
In order to stay compliant, employees who work with machines and equipment must be trained so that they know their LOTO duties and understand the OSHA standard.
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8 Steps of a lockout tagout procedure
Because machines and equipment contain hazardous energy, it’s important to adhere to site-specific lockout tagout procedures. The steps below are outlined in OSHA’s 1910.147 App A - Typical minimal lockout procedure. [5]
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Step 1: Notify affected employees
Once it’s been determined a shutdown of equipment or machines must occur, authorized personnel need to notify all employees who will be affected by the shutdown. This can happen over radio, during a briefing in a room or in the physical location where the equipment is located. Employees need to be informed that equipment will be shut down and locked out before maintenance will occur. This required step initiates the LOTO procedure process.
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Step 2: Identify procedure and hazards
If a machine needs maintenance or servicing, company LOTO procedures apply. As these procedures already exist, it’s easy to reference them. Specifically, these procedures show:
- Energy type (electrical, mechanical, hydraulic, thermal, pneumatic, chemical)
- Energy magnitude (volts, temp, psi , etc.)
- Energy hazards
- Methods to control the energy
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Step 3: Shut down
This step requires operating machines or equipment to be shut down. This can be accomplished through normal stopping procedures like pushing a STOP button, flipping a switch to an OFF position or closing a valve. Orderly shutdowns are necessary to avoid additional hazards caused due to stopping abruptly. These steps are listed in a particular order, so employees need to pay attention to the exact sequence.
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Step 4: Isolate machine from energy source
This step requires isolating the machine or equipment from its source by using energy-isolating devices. It’s important to note these devices are not the normal operating controls. Energy-isolating devices should physically prevent the transmission of energy. Examples include a circuit breaker, a line valve or a block. ON/OFF and STOP buttons do not qualify as energy-isolating devices.
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Step 5: Apply lockout tagout devices
This step prevents manipulation of equipment or accidental startup. It’s accomplished in two steps: Lockout and Tagout.
Lockout
A lockout tagout device (e.g., breaker or ball valve lockout) holds the energy isolating device in a SAFE / OFF position. Safety padlocks (key or combination) then prevent the removal of the energy-isolating device to ensure energy cannot flow from its source to the machine. Assigned locks should be applied to each energy-isolation device.
Tagout
Tagout refers to using a tagout device on an energy-isolating device. It should be securely fastened to the isolating device to indicate the energy-isolating device and equipment may not be operated until the tag is removed. Essentially, it warns others not to restore energy. The tag should include the name of the employee who applied it and why. That way, if anyone has questions as to why the equipment is locked out, they know who to ask.
Personal locks and tags should be used on:
- Line valves
- Circuit breakers / electrical disconnects
- Safety blocks on moveable parts
- Blank flanges on pipelines
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Step 6: Check stored energy
Once energy-isolating devices are locked out, this step requires checking for stored energy. All residual energy must be depleted or drained from the equipment to ensure it’s in a controlled state. Examples include:
- Capacitors
- Springs
- Elevated machine members
- Rotating flywheels
- Hydraulic systems
- Air, gas, steam or water pressure
If residual energy remains in a system, it’s a safety risk. You’ll need to relieve pressure, bleed liquids, vent gasses and release tension in compressed springs until the energy is dissipated.
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Step 7: Verify Isolation, Tryout and Test
This step is very important. More than just a double-check, it can save lives.
To verify that the equipment is disconnected from the energy source, you’ll need to test it. First, check that no personnel can be exposed to the threat of an energy hazard. Then, verify isolation by trying to operate it. This can include pushing an ON button or any other operating control, and visually checking gauges. Then, return the control / button to the OFF position after verifying isolation.
By performing this step, you’re ensuring the machine or equipment is now locked out and ready for servicing or maintenance.
It’s important to recognize this as part of the broader LOTOTO (Lockout, Tagout, Tryout) framework, emphasizing the critical role of tryout in reinforcing safety measures and preventing accidental energization during lockout tagout procedures.
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Step 8: Bring equipment back on line
When the machine or equipment has been serviced or repaired, it’s time to get the work area and personnel ready for startup. Procedures must be followed in the correct order.
- Make sure that the machine or equipment is fully reassembled (guards and safety devices are reinstalled, access panels are closed). Then, check that tools have been cleared from the work area.
- Survey the work area, checking to see that all personnel are in a safe spot or removed from the area.
- Verify all controls are in neutral.
- Remove tags and lockout devices (by the same person who applied them).
- Inform affected personnel that the servicing or maintenance is finished and the equipment is ready for use.
Lockout tagout — the big picture
Over time, your lockout tagout procedures may change. When that happens, employees will need to be updated. Even minor changes need to be understood and heeded. And, beyond site-specific procedural changes, everyone will need to follow the latest updates to the OSHA standard. It’s best to review and revise procedures annually within your energy program. This will give you the opportunity to fine-tune descriptions and tweak procedures if there’s a better way in which they can be done.
Building a stronger energy program
Operating machines and equipment should go smoothly, as should preparing for servicing or maintenance. If you need support to build a stronger and safer energy program, here are a few ways Brady can help:
Services
Customized to meet your requirements, keep your employees safe and ensure your compliance:
Software
Brady LINK360® safety software provides easy document management and workflow automation that meets OSHA compliance requirements, while the Brady Workstation Lockout Writer Software App allows you to create compliant lockout/tagout labels, tags and procedures in no time.
Products
Innovative devices that fit your work, including: lockout tagout kits, stations, SafeKey Padlocks, hasps, tags, group lockboxes and various lockouts for circuit breakers, panels, valves and electrical equipment.
References
- Occupational Safety and Health Administration. (September 30, 2020). Top 10 Most Frequently Cited Standards. U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Safety and Health Administration. https://www.osha.gov/top10citedstandards
- Occupational Safety and Health Administration. (n.d.). Control of Hazardous Energy (Lockout/Tagout). U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Safety and Health Administration. https://www.osha.gov/control-hazardous-energy
- Occupational Safety and Health Administration. (May 2, 2011). 1910.147 - The control of hazardous energy (lockout/tagout). U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Safety and Health Administration. https://www.osha.gov/laws-regs/regulations/standardnumber/1910/1910.147
- Occupational Safety and Health Administration. (2002). Control of Hazardous Energy (Lockout/Tagout), OSHA 3120 2002 (Revised). U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Safety and Health Administration. https://www.osha.gov/sites/default/files/publications/osha3120.pdf
- Occupational Safety and Health Administration. (1996). 1910.147 App A - Typical minimal lockout procedures. U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Safety and Health Administration. https://www.osha.gov/laws-regs/regulations/standardnumber/1910/1910.147AppA
Padlock Guide
Padlock Selector Tool
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Resources
Lockout Tagout Procedures Audit
Learn how to keep your lockout tagout procedures OSHA-compliant
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6 Elements of a Lockout Tagout Program
How to create a sustainable LOTO program that keeps your workers safe.
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Group Lockout Tagout
Comply with OSHA group LOTO requirements with these 5 best practices.
Learn More