Lockout/Tagout Safety

Preventing Machine Surprises

When it's time for maintenance, repairs or machine setup, simply unplugging the machine that you're working on is not enough. Many serious accidents have happened when someone thought a machine or the electricity was safely off. "Lockout/tagout" is a way to protect yourself and others.

Guaranteeing Machines Stay Off

Lockout/tagout ensures that machines and electricity remain temporarily off. Without a lockout/tagout system, there is the possibility that a machine will suddenly start up. Them someone could be cut, hit or crushed. There is also a serious danger of electrocution or the release of hazardous materials.

To prevent startups, you need to identify a machine's power sources: an electrical current, stored electricity (such as in a capacitor), stored pressure (such as compressed air), stored mechanical energy (such as in a coiled spring) or gravity.

Take Seven Steps for Lockout/Tagout

• Think, plan and check. If you are in charge, think through the entire procedure. Identify all parts of any systems that need to be shut down. Determine what switches, equipment and people will be involved. Carefully plan how restarting will take place.
• Communicate. Notify all those who need to know that a lockout/tagout procedure is taking place.
• Identify all appropriate power sources, whether near or far from the job site. Include electrical circuits, hydraulic and pneumatic systems, spring energy and gravity systems.
• Neutralize all appropriate power at the source. Disconnect electricity. Block movable parts. Release or block spring energy. Drain or bleed hydraulic and pneumatic lines. Lower suspended parts to rest positions.
• Lock out all power sources. Use a lock designed only for this purpose. Each worker should have a personal lock.
• Tag out all power sources and machines. Tag machine controls, pressure lines, starter switches and suspended parts. Tags should include your name, department, how to reach you, the date and time of tagging and the reason for the lockout.
• Do a complete test. Double check all the steps above. Do a personal check. Push start buttons, test circuits and operate valves to test the system.

When Its Time To Restart

After the job is completed, follow the safety procedures you have set up for restart, removing only your own locks and tags. With all workers safe and equipment ready, it's time to turn on the power.

For more information about our safety services go to http://www.endure-inc.com/