Lockout/Tagout #2

Stored Energy

After applying LOTO devices, all potentially hazardous, stored or residual energy shall be rendered safe. Re-accumulation of energy shall be continually verified. Isolation/de-energization shall be verified prior to starting work........How can this be accomplished??

Periodic Inspections

At least an annual inspection of the company's LOTO procedure: Performed by an authorized employee other than the employee using the procedure. Correct deviations or discrepancies. Review the procedure by effected employees. Inspection must be documented-who did it, when, and what machinery was inspected.

Training, continued

If tagout systems are used employees must be trained on limitations: Warning rather than restraining devices. Must not be by-passed, ignored or defeated. Must be legible and understandable. Securely attached and able to withstand environments. May create a false sense of security and is only a part of the overall program.

Before removing LOTO devices and re-storing energy

Inspect area, ensure non-essential items are removed and equipment is operationally intact. Employees are notified and clear. Remove LOTO devices-shall be removed by the person who put it on. Exception!

Exceptions, continued

Isolation and lockout completely deenergize and deactivate the machine. The machine is isolated from that energy source and locked out during servicing or maintenance. A single lockout device will achieve lockout. The lockout device is under control of the employee servicing or maintaining the machine. -The servicing or maintenance does not create hazards for others. -The employer has had no accidents from the release of energy while servicing or maintaining equipment.

Protective Materials and Hardware

Locks, tags, chains, wedges, key blocks, adapter pins, self-locking fasteners, or other hardware shall be provided by the employer. Lockout devices shall be singularly identified, be the only devices used for controlling energy, not used for other purposes, and shall be

Shift Change

Must have written procedures to ensure continuity of lockout protection. Includes orderly transition from employees coming on shift and those going off shift.

Procedures shall include:

Preparation for shutdown. Machine or equipment shutdown. Machine or equipment isolation.

Lockout/Tagout 29CFR 19010.147

Published September 1, 1989. Scope: Covers servicing and maintenance of machines and equipment or release of stored energy which could cause injury to employees

The Standard's Purpose

Requires employers to establish a program and use procedures for affixing appropriate lockout devices or tagout devices, and- To disable machines or equipment to prevent unexpected energization, start-up, or release of stored energy to prevent injury to employees.

Group LOTO

Responsibility to an authorized person. AP to ascertain exposure status of workers. AP ensures that all workers affix a personal lock to group lock-out device.

Procedures: LOTO device application-

Shall be affixed by an authorized employee. Shall hold the energy isolating device in a safe or off position. Tagout devices shall be affixed to prohibit moving the energy isolating device from its safe or off position, located where a lock would be attached, and if it can't be attached-should be in an obvious place

Outside Contractors

Shall inform each other of procedures. Employer must ensure they are complying with procedures.

Written Procedures

Shall specify the scope, purpose, authorization, rules, and techniques for controlling hazardous energy, and the means of enforcing compliance.

Written Procedures, continued

Should include: -Intended use of the procedure. -Steps for shutting down, isolating, blocking and securing equipment. -Use of tags and locks. -Testing requirements verify effectiveness.

Also does not apply to

Work on cord or plug connected equipment which is unplugged and under control of the employee. Gas, steam, water or petroleum hot tap operations under specified circumstances

Durable

able to withstand the environment, not become illegible, and not deteriorate in corrosive environments. Color, size, shape and print be standardized.

Energy Source

any source of energy

Energized

connected to an energy source or containing residual or stored energy.

Procedures shall be

developed, documented, and utilized.

Lockout Device

device which uses a positive means, such as a lock, to hold an energy isolating device in safe position.

Identifiable

indicate the identity of the employee applying the device.

Lockout

placement of a lockout device on an energy isolating device.

Tagout

placement of a tag to warn that the equipment may not be operated.

Substantial

removal shall necessitate force or unusual techniques and it should prevent inadvertent removal.

Documented

who did it, when, and what machinery was inspected

Servicing and/or Maintenance

workplace activities such as adjusting, cleaning, constructing, inspecting, installing, lubricating, maintaining and/or servicing of machines or equipment, modifying, setting up and tool changing.

Energy Control Program

A program including an energy control procedure and employee training is required.

Lockout/Tagout

A tagout system shall be used only if the isolating device cannot be locked out. If the isolating device can be locked out, a lockout shall be used, unless the employer can demonstrate that a tagout system provides full employee protection. When machinery is replaced or undergoes major repair it shall be designed to accept a lockout device.

Does Not Cover

Construction, Agriculture, and Maritime Employment. Electric Utilities. Electrical Exposures covered by Subpart S, Electrical. Oil and Gas Well Servicing and Drilling.

Shall warn of hazardous conditions by legends such as:

DO NOT START DO NOT OPEN DO NOT CLOSE DO NOT ENERGIZE DO NOT OPERATE

Applies during Servicing and/or Maintenance

Does not apply to normal production operations. Only if an employee has to remove a guard or bypass a safety guard-Or place any part of their body in danger.

Training and Communication

Employees must understand purpose and function of the program. Have knowledge and skills to implement it. Include-recognition of energy sources, purpose and use, procedures/prohibitions

Exception

Employers need not document if all of the following exist: -The machine has no potential to release or store energy. -The machine has a single energy source, readily identified and isolated.

If a tagout device is used on equipment capable of being locked out

The tag shall be placed in the same location the lock would have been placed. The employer must demonstrate equivalent safety. To demonstrate-the employer must show full compliance with all provisions and remove circuit elements or block control switches or remove a valve handle, etc.

Employees must be re-trained when

There is a change in assignments, machines, equipment, or process that creates a new hazard. Periodic inspection reveals a need for re-training. New or revised control methods are introduced- and, of course, training must be documented.