Why is lockout/tag out important? Back to top By de-energizing the system, the risk that the system could inadvertently, accidentally, or unintentionally cause harm to a person through the release of hazardous energy is eliminated. What does de-energization mean? Back to topÄe-energization is a process that is used to disconnect and isolate a system from a source of energy to prevent the release of that energy. This procedure helps make sure the system cannot be started up without the authorized individual's knowledge. Note: ONLY the authorized individual who placed the lock and tag onto the system is the one who is permitted to remove them. The name of the authorized person who attached the tag and lock to the system.Time and date of application of the lock/tag.Why the lockout/tag out is required (repair, maintenance, etc.).The process of tagging out a system involves attaching or using an information tag or indicator (usually a standardized label) that includes the following information: Tag out is a labelling process that is always used when lockout is required. See the example of the lock and hasp combination in Figure 1 below. The locking device (or lockout device) can be any device that has the ability to secure the energy-isolating device in a safe position. In most cases, these devices will have loops or tabs which can be locked to a stationary item in a safe position (de-energized position). The energy-isolating device can be a manually operated disconnect switch, a circuit breaker, a line valve, or a block (Note: push buttons, selection switches and other circuit control switches are not considered energy-isolating devices). In practice, lockout is the isolation of energy from the system (a machine, equipment, or process) which physically locks the system in a safe mode. See the OSH Answers Hazardous Energy Control Programs for a description of the types of hazardous energy, and required elements of a control program. Lockout is one way to control hazardous energy. How have safety signs evolved over the past 100 years? See our timeline of safety sign best practices.Lockout is defined in the Canadian standard CSA Z460-20 "Control of Hazardous Energy - Lockout and Other Methods" as the "placement of a lockout device on an energy-isolating device in accordance with an established procedure." A lockout device is "a mechanical means of locking that uses an individually keyed lock to secure an energy-isolating device in a position that prevents energization of a machine, equipment, or a process." While the machinery your workplace is utilizing is the source of needing loto procedures, it is still your duty as an employer to provide proper warnings and training for the equipment used in your facility. The employee is required to remove or bypass a guard or other safety device during service and maintenance.The employee is required to place any body part into an area of the machinery or equipment where work is being performed upon the material being processed.An associated danger zone exists during a machine operating cycle.Since January 3, 1990, OSHA has been very clear on the scope of compliance for their loto standard, The Control of Hazardous Energy Source Standard (.147). Your adoption of lockout/tagout procedures can and should be reinforced with safety signs that remind people to follow them, placed near the point of possible interaction with hazards and marking safety centers where equipment may be stored in the workplace. Still, many workers are killed or severely injured every year in situations where following lockout procedures were not followed and would have prevented the accident. The OSHA lockout/tagout (loto) standard in wide use today is important to protecting workers from stored hydraulic, pneumatic, electrical, and physical energy that has the potential to automatically startup or release when performing maintenance on machinery and building systems. The Danger of Not Following Equipment Safety Procedures
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