Environmental Health & Safety

LOCKOUT TAGOUT EQUIPMENT

All lockout tag-out equipment must be singularly identified, must be the only devices used for controlling energy and must not be used for other purposes.

Lockout Devices

Lockout will be accomplished using a lock and key and a multiple lock hasp and/or other approved lockout devices. Chains or other hardware may also be used in conjunction with locks and lockout devices to isolate energy sources. Only two individuals will have a key to each lock; the authorized employee applying the lock and the authorized employee's supervisor. The Electrical Supervisor will also retain an additional key. Additional keys will only be used to remove locks in the event the abandoned lock procedure must be implemented.

All lockout devices must
  • be durable and capable of withstanding the environment they are to be used in;
  • standardized by color, shape, or size and;
  • substantial enough to prevent removal without the use of excessive force or unusual technique.
Tag-out Devices

An approved warning tag will accompany all lockouts. The warning tag will be attached directly to the lockout device or by a nylon tie.
All tag-out devices must
  • include a legend such as Do Not Start, Do Not Open, Do Not Close, Do Not Energize, etc.;
  • be durable and of all weather construction;
  • have print and format standardized by color, shape, or size and;
  • be substantial enough to prevent inadvertent or accidental removal.
Information placed on the tag must include
  • the name of the authorized employee who locked out the equipment;
  • the authorized employees radio number or phone number, including outside contractors;
  • the date and time of the lockout and;
  • a brief description of the work being done.
Seasonal Locks

In the event that equipment must be locked out for an extended period of time, seasonal locks shall be used. The seasonal locks will be of different color, shape or size and will be distinguished as seasonal locks with a separate tag.

GENERAL LOCKOUT TAGOUT PROCEDURES

Lockout Tag-out Procedures
  1. Survey and identify energy sources and their associated hazards, obtain equipment, and review the equipment specific lockout tag-out procedures if needed. Any questions should be directed to the immediate supervisor.
  2. Notify all affected employees that a lockout tag-out system is going to be utilized and the reason why the equipment is being locked out.
  3. If the equipment is in the "on" or "powered" position, shut it down by the normal stopping procedure.
  4. Isolate the equipment from its energy source.
  5. Lockout and tag-out the energy isolating sources with assigned locks and tags. This usually requires locking out the electrical disconnect. Use valve covers, plug locks etc. on equipment that cannot be directly locked out. A tag-out system alone is not acceptable at any time unless the equipment is not capable of being locked out. The tag must be placed at the same location that the lockout device would have been attached, and additional measures must be taken to ensure the level of safety is equivalent to that obtained by using a lock. This includes blocking of a controlling switch, removal of an isolating circuit element, opening of an extra disconnect device, or removal of a valve handle ONLY.
  6. Dissipate stored energy (springs, hydraulic systems, air, gas, water pressure or steam).
  7. After ensuring that no other personnel are exposed, attempt to turn on the equipment using the push button, toggle switch etc. to ensure that the lockout was effective. After ensuring that lockout was effective, return the equipment to the "off" position.
  8. Equipment is now locked out and ready to be serviced.
Restoring Equipment to Use
  1. After completion of servicing and/or maintenance is complete, check the area around the equipment to ensure that no one is exposed.
  2. Verify that all tools have been removed from the equipment and all guards have been reinstalled.
  3. Notify affected employees of the impending re-energization of the equipment.
  4. Remove the lockout and tag-out devices. Removal of the lockout and tag-out devices is limited to the authorized employee who applied the device. See abandoned lock procedure if the lockout and tag-out devices were inadvertently left on the equipment.
  5. Energize the equipment.
Troubleshooting Procedure

If the equipment needs re-energized for testing, repositioning, or troubleshooting, lockout tag-out devices may be removed temporarily in order to perform these tasks. The authorized employee must:
  1. Ensure that all personnel and tools have been removed.
  2. Notify affected employees of the impending re-energization of the equipment.
  3. The lockout device must then be removed by the authorized employee. However, the tag must remain on the equipment at the point of isolation.
  4. Energize equipment.
  5. When the task is complete, de-energize the equipment using normal stopping procedures, and apply the lockout devices as described in the lockout tag-out procedures.
Procedure Involving More Than One Person

In the previous steps, if more than one individual is involved in the lockout tag-out procedure, each employee working on the piece of equipment must place his or her own lock onto the system. A multiple lock hasp shall be used to accommodate multiple locks or tags.

Procedure Involving More Than One Shift

When the original authorized employee working on the piece of equipment is replaced by another authorized employee, the original employee will remove his/her lock and the incoming employee will insert his/her lock onto the energy-isolating device.
If the first employee leaves the area before the incoming employee arrives, an authorized supervisor can place his/her lock on the system to ensure the system remains safe until the second employee arrives. The incoming employee must then place his/her lock on the energy-isolating device and verify that all other energy sources are locked out before beginning work.


Procedure Involving Multiple Locks

For situations requiring multiple lockout points, multiple locks and other lockout devices must be made available. These locks are intended to supplement the existing lockout tagout equipment, and not replace it.

Abandoned Lock Procedure

It is the responsibility of the authorized employee to remove his/her lock at the end of the workday. If an authorized employee forgets to remove his/her lock before leaving the worksite, the immediate supervisor must:
  1. Call the authorized employee to verify the employee has left the worksite and inform him/her that their lock is being removed.
  2. Lockout tag-out devices may not be removed unless the responsible supervisor is present and authorizes removal. The immediate supervisors hold a master key.
  3. The supervisor must make all reasonable attempts to contact the employee and inform him/her that their lock has been removed. If the authorized employee cannot be contacted, and the supervisor has verified that the employee who applied the device is not at the facility, the energy to the equipment may be restored after performing an inspection of the equipment that has been locked out. The supervisor must then ensure that the authorized employee is made aware of the removal before he/she resumes works.
  4. After completion of the inspection and the equipment is found to be in safe working order, the equipment may be restored.
  5. The abandoned lock procedure form found in Appendix B must also be filled out and filed by the immediate supervisor.
As noted above, jobs that overlap shifts are to be held in lockout tag-out status with a designated supervisors lock.

Exemptions

Lockout tag-out procedures must be instituted prior to maintenance or servicing of all machinery and equipment where the unexpected energization, start-up or release of energy could cause injury. Typical exemptions include the following:
  • Lockout tag-out procedures do not need to be implemented if an electrical plug powers the piece of equipment, if the plug is removed from the outlet and remains within arms reach of the authorized employee while servicing the equipment.
  • Lockout tag-out procedures are not intended to apply as long as guards are not removed or bypassed and are effective in preventing worker exposure to hazards created by the unexpected energization or start up of machines or equipment, or the release of energy.
Contractors

Whenever contractors and other outside servicing personnel perform tasks covered by the lockout/tag-out standard, they must adhere to the standard's requirements. The contractor or outside employer and the on-site employer must inform each other of their respective lockout tag-out procedures. The on-site employer must ensure that his/her employees understand and comply with the restrictions and prohibitions of the outside employer's energy control program.

EQUIPMENT SPECIFIC LOCKOUT TAGOUT PROCEDURES

The purpose of the Equipment Specific Lockout Tag-out Procedures are to determine what equipment can pose a hazard if an unexpected release of energy occurs, the type and magnitude of the energy source, the location of the energy isolating devices, and the means by which to isolate the energy. The supervisor of an authorized employee and/or the authorized employee must complete the Equipment Specific Lockout Tag-out Forms found in Appendix B. All equipment specific lockout tag-out forms must be located in an easily accessible area or posted directly on the equipment to be serviced.

For each piece or type of equipment the energy source assessment will determine
  • the type and magnitude of each energy source;
  • the type and magnitude of each stored energy source and;
  • machine specific instructions on how to lockout the piece of equipment.
The Equipment Specific Lockout Tag-out Procedures must be updated when
  • new equipment has been installed;
  • new energy sources have been added to a facility or to individual pieces of equipment;
  • the magnitude of an energy source changes or;
  • the designated isolation points are changed.
Equipment Specific Lockout Tag-out Procedures are not required when all of the following elements exist.
  • The machine or equipment has no potential for stored or residual energy, or for re-accumulation of stored energy after shut down, which could endanger employees.
  • The machine or equipment has a single energy source that can be readily identified and isolated and the isolation and locking out of that energy source will completely de-energize and deactivate the machine or equipment.
  • The machine or equipment is isolated from that energy source and locked out during servicing or maintenance.
  • A single lockout device will achieve a locked-out condition.
  • The lockout device is under the exclusive control of the authorized employee performing the servicing or maintenance.
  • The servicing or maintenance does not create hazards for other employees.
APPENDIX A - DEFINITIONS

Affected Employee
An employee whose job requires him/her to operate or use a machine or equipment on which servicing or maintenance is being performed under lockout tag-out, or whose job requires them to work in an area in which such servicing or maintenance is being performed.

Authorized Employee
An employee who locks or tags out machines or equipment in order to perform servicing or maintenance. An employee must complete the required training before he/she is designated as an authorized employee.

Capable of Being Locked Out
An energy-isolating device is considered capable of being locked out if it:
  • Is designed with a hasp or other means of attachment to which a lock can be affixed.
  • Has a locking mechanism built into it.
  • Can be locked without dismantling, rebuilding, or replacing the energy-isolating device or permanently altering its energy control capability.
Designated Isolation Point
Where the machine or equipment will be locked and tagged out.

Energized
Machines or equipment are energized when they are connected to an energy source or they contain residual or stored energy.

Energy Isolating Device
A mechanical device that physically prevents the transmission or release of energy, including, but not limited to
  • a manually operated circuit breaker;
  • a disconnect switch;
  • a manually operated switch by which the conductors or a circuit can be disconnected from all underground supply conductors and no pole can act independently;
  • a line valve, block or any similar device used to block or isolate energy;

  • Push buttons, selector switches and other circuit type control devices are not energy isolating devices.
Energy Source
Any source of electrical, mechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic, chemical, thermal, or other energy

Equipment
Includes but is not limited to machines (lathes, presses, etc.), facility mechanical systems (air handlers, elevators, utility lines, etc.), research equipment, equipment components, and agricultural equipment.

Employee supervisor
An individual administratively in charge of an authorized employee assigned to perform maintenance or service requiring the use of locks or tags.

Group Lock
A set of identical locks, all keyed identically, and used only for a group or crew lockout.

Hot tap
A procedure used in maintenance and service activities that involve cutting and/or welding on a piece of equipment (pipelines, vessels or tanks) under pressure, in order to install connections or appurtenances. It is commonly used to replace or add sections of pipeline without the interruption of service for air, gas, water, steam, and petrochemical distribution systems.

Lockbox
A toolbox style box of rugged construction that is capable of receiving a hasp when the box is shut. When the hasp is attached, a person cannot enter the box until the hasp is removed.

Lockout
The placement of a lockout device on an energy-isolating device, in accordance with an established procedure, ensuring that the energy isolating device and the equipment being controlled cannot be operated until the lockout device is removed.

Lockout Device
Is a device that utilizes a lock and key to hold an energy-isolating device in a safe position and prevent the energizing of a machine or equipment. These locks are designated lockout tag-out locks.

Servicing and/or Maintenance
Workplace activities such as constructing, installing, setting up, adjusting, inspecting, modifying, maintaining and/or servicing machines or equipment, including lubrication, cleaning or un-jamming of machines or equipment, and making adjustments or tool changes, where employees could be exposed to the unexpected energization or startup of the equipment or release of hazardous energy.

Setting up
Any work performed to prepare a machine or equipment to perform its normal operation.

Stored Energy
Kinetic energy that remains even after the power source to the equipment has been turned off. Examples of stored energy include hydraulic, pneumatic, steam, gas, and spring tension.

Tag-out
The placement of a tag-out device on an energy-isolating device, in accordance with an established LO/TO procedure, to indicate that the energy isolating device and the equipment being controlled may not be operated until the tag-out device is removed.

Tag-out Device
Is a prominent warning device which can be securely fastened to an energy isolating device in accordance with an established LO/TO procedure. Indicate that the energy isolating device and the equipment being controlled may not be operated until the tag-out device is removed.

Testing
A determination to verify that machinery, equipment, or equipment parts are de- energized. This involves the use of properly operating test equipment designed for and capable of determining if any energized conditions exist.

Verification
Operation of equipment controls for the purpose of determining that equipment cannot be restarted after an energy-isolating procedure has been performed and before maintenance or repair work is initiated.

Appendix B- Energy Control Procedure Template

The Control of Hazardous Energy (lockout/tagout) OSHA 29 CFR 1910.147(C)(4)(ii) states that: "The procedures shall clearly and specifically outline the scope, purpose, authorization, rules and techniques to be utilized for the control of hazardous energy, and the means to enforce compliance, including, but not limited to the following:

a) A specific statement of the intended use of the procedure.
b) Specific procedural steps for shutting down, isolating, blocking and securing machines or equipment to control hazardous energy.
c) Specific procedural steps for the placement, removal and transfer of lockout devices and the responsibility for them; and
d) Specific requirements for testing a machine or equipment to determine and verify the effectiveness of lockout devices, tag-out devices, and other energy control measures."

This checklist documents the specific lockout/tag-out procedures to be followed when servicing/maintaining the equipment/machine/utility listed below.

Unique Procedure Reference Number:____________________________________________
Equipment/Machine/Utility Reference:
Equipment/Machine Location:
Prepared By/Date:
Approved/Reviewed By/Date:

Procedure Type (Check all that apply)
[_] Multi-point lockout and tag-out
[_] Multi-point tag-out only
[_] Group lockout or tag-out
(Name, title, contact information of designated authorized employee: _________
________________________________________________________________)
[_] Coordination with outside contractor
(Name, title, contact information of contractor:____________________________
________________________________________________________________)


Service/maintenance activities requiring use of this lockout/tagout procedure:

SOURCES OF ENERGY FOR THIS EQUIPMENT (check those that apply)

[_]Electrical 120 [_]Pneumatic [_]Capacitors
[_]Electrical _____ V [_]Thermal [_]Battery
[_]Electrical _____ V [_]Hydraulic [_]Air Tank
[_]Compressed Air [_]Chemical [_]Other __________
[_]Gas [_]Raise Load [_]Other __________
[_]Steam [_]Coiled Springs [_]Other __________


Summary of energy sources and lockout/tag-out required
In space below, list each energy source of concern, the magnitude of the energy, the means and location for lockout of the source, and the lockout device needed. Include special precautions needed to bleed, ground, or otherwise disengage energy sources. This information will be addressed in greater detail in the specific procedures on the next page. Attach equipment schematic or drawing depicting the information provided.

Hazardous energy type/source Magnitude Isolation point/device, location, schematic reference Special precautions for bleeding, grounding, disengaging, etc. Required lockout/tag-out device(s)
         
         
         
         
         


Specific Procedures
In the space provided below each numbered step, describe the process for accomplishing the stated objective.
  1. Notification of affected employees.

  2. Equipment shut down operating procedures.

  3. Isolation of the energy source(s) (all line items in the summary table must be addressed).

  4. Application of lock(s) and/or tag(s) to all isolation points (all line items in the summary table must be addressed).

  5. Dissipation or isolation of stored or residual energy (all line items in the summary table must be addressed).

  6. Verification of equipment isolation (list necessary test equipment and functionality test) and dissipation or isolation of stored or residual energy.

  7. Return operating controls to the neutral or off position.

  8. Perform needed maintenance/service/repair.

  9. Check the equipment area to ensure that all non-essential items have been removed; that all components are operationally intact; all guards or other protective features are restored; non-essential personnel are not in the equipment area; and that controls are in the neutral or off position.

  10. Remove lock(s), tag(s) and all isolation devices.

  11. Notify all affected employees that work is complete and the equipment is ready to return to normal service.
Record additional information and comments in the space below.
  • Authorized employees must verify the integrity of the lockout/tag-out procedure following any extended absences.