Lockout/Tagout Procedures 141

Which quality makes a device considered to be capable of lockout? To be considered able to be locked out, a device must:

Be able to be locked without dismantling or rebuilding the energy isolating device.

Includes removing valve handles, grounding electrical devices, and clamping springs closed.

Blocking

Caustic

Capable of burning or destroying living tissue through chemical processes. Many common workplace chemicals are caustic.

These can be used to power devices and may also cause burns.

Chemicals

What type of energy uses pressurized air or gas and is often used to power assembly tools?

Pneumatic

Kinetic Energy

Power caused by movement. Kinetic energy is produced by moving components such as gears and springs.

Thermal Energy

Power created by or in the form of heat. Thermal energy can be retained in machine parts and cause burns.

Hydraulic Energy

Power created by the compressive force or movement of a liquid in a confined area. Machines that lift objects often use hydraulic energy.

Pneumatic Energy

Power created by the compressive force or movement of air or gas in a confined area. Assembly tools often use pneumatic energy.

Electrical Energy

Power created by the movement of electrons. Electrical energy, or electricity, can cause injury through electric shock.

Chemical Energy

Power created by the reaction between two or more substances. Chemical energy is used to power batteries.

Which of the following best define lockout/ tagout? Lockout/ tagout practices:

Prevent accidental machine startup during service.

What lockout/tagout training is required for affected employees? Affected employees must be trained to:

Recognize energy-control procedures and their purpose and know what services require lockout/tagout.

Which of the following actions has been known to cause employee fatalities?

Stopping in the middle of locking and tagging out a machine.

Potential Energy

Stored energy resulting from an object's position or internal pressure. Potential energy often exists in machines that have been turned off.

Print Format

The appearance of letters on an object or device, including style, color, and size. Tagout devices have a standardized print format.

Typical Minimal Lockout Procedure

The essential steps required to lock out a specific machine. Typical minimal lockout procedures are required by OSHA as part of an energy control program.

Gravity

The force which draws and holds things to the surface of the earth. Gravity can pull machine components downward even when the machine is shut off.

Maintenance

The necessary and basic support and repair of machines. Maintenance includes tasks such as lubricating, adjusting, and replacing parts.

Control Of Hazardous Energy

The official title of the OSHA lockout/tagout safety standard. The standard protects employees by requiring preventive steps against accidental machine startup during maintenance.

Which statement about the attaching of tagout devices is true?

The person who attaches the tag should be the person who removes the tag.

Assembly

The process by which multiple objects are joined together. Assembly includes using fasteners or adhesives to attach parts to one another.

Bleeding

The process of safely removing liquid or gas from a closed system. Bleeding can remove potential energy and prevent accidental machine movements.

Tagout Devices

A prominent visual warning device that can be securely attached to an energy-isolating mechanism during machine repair or maintenance. Tagout devices alert employees that equipment must not be operated until the tag is removed.

Machine Guards

A shield or cover over hazardous areas on a machine. Machine guards prevent accidental contact with body parts or prevent debris, such as chips, from exiting the machine.

Energy Control Program

A written procedure that explains how to control hazardous energy in a specific workplace. Energy control programs are required by OSHA and developed by individual employers to cover their workplaces.

Authorized Employees

An employee who is qualified to lock out machinery and perform maintenance. All maintenance or service personnel are considered authorized employees.

Lockout/Tagout

A method of protecting employees by preventing accidental machine startup through proper locking and labeling of machines during maintenance. Lockout/Tagout is the common term for OSHA's Control of Hazardous Energy Standard. Lockout/Tagout devices vary based on equipment type.

Steps for typical minimal lockout procedure.

1. Notify all affected employees that maintenance is required and the machine will be locked out. 2. Refer to company procedure to identify the type and magnitude of the energy used by the machine. 3. If the machine is operating, shut it down normally. 4. Deactivate the energy isolating device from the energy source. 5. Lock out the energy isolating device with assigned individual locks. 6. Dissipate or restrain any stored or potential energy. 7. Ensure that the equipment is disconnected and verify it will not operate.

Lockable Electric Disconnect Switch

A power switch that can be shut off and then locked in the off position. Lockable electric disconnect switches often control the entire power supply for a room or device.

Zip Tie

A long, thin plastic or nylon fastening device that locks when the point on one end is threaded through the loop on the other. Zip ties are also known as cable ties.

Which scenario describes the accurate use of a tagout device?

A machine breaks down and is tagged out to alert workers that it must remain off.

Energy Isolating Mechanism

A mechanical device that physically controls the transmission or release of energy. Energy isolating mechanisms include on/off switches, circuit breakers, and valves.

Levers

A bar or linear device that pivots on a fixed point to transfer force and motion. Levers use kinetic energy.

Mechanical Energy

A combination of kinetic and potential energy. Mechanical energy results from the force of gravity or the movement or release of a machine component, such as a spring, clamp, or wheel.

Circuit Breaker Locks

A device that can be locked in place over a specific circuit breaker within a breaker box. Circuit breaker locks prevent electricity from accidentally being supplied to a specific area, machine, or device.

Lockable Valve Covers

A device that closes over a valve and can be locked shut. Lockable valve covers prevent valves from being accidentally opened or turned to the on position.

Lockout Device

A device that holds an energy-isolating mechanism in a safe position using a lock or other locking object. Lockout devices prevent equipment or machinery from being energized.

Fastener

A device that holds objects together or locates them in relation to one another. Common fasteners include bolts, screws, pins, and rivets.

Springs

A flexible device used to apply force, control motion, and store energy. Springs are generally composed of coiled metal wire.

Tension

A force that attempts to pull, stretch, or elongate an object. Belt drives and springs use tension.

Welding

A joining process that uses heat, pressure, or chemicals to permanently fuse materials together. Welding generally involves high heat and sparks.

Hasp

A locking mechanism consisting of a hinged closure with a slot that closes over a loop, which is then secured with a lock. Hasps support padlocks, combination locks, and other locking devices.

Cable Tie

A long, thin plastic or nylon fastening device that locks when the point on one end is threaded through the loop on the other. Cable ties are also be known as zip ties.

An employee who works on a machine that may be serviced, but is not permitted to do maintenance.

Affected employee

Group Lockout/Tagout Mechanism

Allows each member to attach a personal lockout/tagout device. Group mechanisms keep the machine secure even if more than one person must access the locked out equipment.

Affected Employee

An employee who normally works on or near a machine that must be locked out for maintenance. Affected employees include any employee in a manufacturing environment.

Grounding

Directing stray electrical current to a safe, neutral source. Grounding generally uses a wire to connect a conductive object to a rod driven into the ground.

An employee is following the typical minimal lockout procedure and just locked out the energy isolating device. What is the next step in a typical minimal lockout procedure?

Dissipate or restrain any stored or potential energy.

Includes procedural steps for placing, removing, and transferring lockout/tagout devices.

Energy Control Program

Must have a locking mechanism built in if a lock cannot be attached to it.

Energy-isolating mechanism

These are held in a safe or off position by a lockout device.

Energy-isolating mechanismsF

TRUE/FALSE: Lockout/tagout is always required, even when energy can be completely controlled by unplugging machinery.

False

TRUE/FALSE: Smaller machines generally do not need to be locked out before undergoing service.

False

Which blocking method is used on electrical devices that can store electricity after being shut off?

Grounding

What is an OSHA requirement for tagout devices? A tag must:

Have a standard color, shape, and size.

What is the primary function of a lockout device? A lockout device:

Holds an energy-isolating mechanism in a safe position.

This is usually in the form of devices containing oil or water that have been left under pressure.

Hydraulic energy

Which of the following describes an authorized employee? An authorized employee:

Keeps control over the source of hazardous energy during machine maintenance.

What device may be used as alternative protection to lockout/tagout procedures when performing minor tool changes?

Machine guard

Contained in a spring or lever that is under pressure.

Mechanical energy

This can be stored in springs, levers, and other moveable parts that have not come to rest.

Mechanical energy

What type of energy is stored in springs and levers that are under pressure?

Mechanical energy

What is the final step in a typical minimal lockout procedure to restore equipment to service?

Notify affected employees that maintenance is complete and the machine is ready for use.

Occupational Safety And Health Administration

OSHA. A government agency under the U.S. Dept. of Labor that sets the standards for working conditions in the United States. OSHA ensures that employees work in safe and healthy environments.

Blocking

The use of physical or mechanical barriers or restraints to prevent accidental machine startup or release of energy. Blocking is a safety measure used along with lockout/tagout during machine maintenance.

TRUE/FALSE: If employees must place body parts in or near a machine's point of operation during service, the machine must be locked out.

True

TRUE/FALSE: Lockout/tagout is not required when an employee is performing routine duties and proper machine guards are installed.

True

TRUE/FALSE: Many hazards associated with electrical wiring and installation are covered by industry-specific standards.

True

Includes steps for both lockout/tagout and restoring power after service is complete.

Typical Minimal Lockout Procedure

What documentation lists the specific steps required to lockout and tagout an individual machine?

Typical minimal lockout procedure