Lock Out Tag Out

There are many types of potentially hazardous energy including electrical, thermal, chemical, pneumatic, hydraulic, mechanical and gravitational energy. Lock-out / tag-out is a way to make sure electricity or other energy is not turned on (or released) while someone is working on machinery. Turning off a power switch is not enough. You must de-energize to prevent equipment from starting or moving. Release stored energy, for example, bleed air from a pneumatic hose, and test to make sure the energy is off before doing installations, repairs or maintenance.

Improper or failure to use lock-out / tag-out procedures may result in property damage, injury or death. Only authorized and trained employees may engage in tasks that require use of lock-out / tag-out procedures, however ALL employees must know what the lock-out / tag- out program is and not to touch any machine, equipment or energy source that has been locked or tagged out.

Procedure:

1. Review SOP

• Review the complete Standard Operating Practices for this work at least every year or at the start of the season when you will be doing this type of work.

2. Notification

• Tell all equipment operators, co-workers and supervisors that power is being disconnected or isolated.
• Identify the energy sources and isolate them
• Prior to beginning work on any piece of equipment that could start-up, remove or release stored energy. To neutralize stored energy – release or block off all parts under tension or pressure; wait for temperatures to go down; disconnect, drain or vent to clean out the system.

3. Test the controls

• Verify that all potential energy sources have been eliminated from the machine or equipment by testing the equipment to ensure that it is in fact de-energized. Test circuits for electricity. Check switches and valves are turned off. Check gauges for zero pressure. Turn the operating controls on to see if the main energy is still getting through. Turn them off again.

4. Lock and tag

• Then lock out any valve, switch, breaker or other control that supplies energy to the equipment. Next, attach a dated and signed tag that indicates the reason for the lock-out.Protects you form carrying home the chemicals from your job

5. Return to service

• Test the equipment operation to ensure no further work is needed. Be sure all tools, mechanical restraints and electrical devices have been removed. Warn all co-workers that you are about to restart the equipment and ensure no one is near it.

6. Remove locks and tag

• Locks and tags must be removed only by the person who installed them. That person must be satisfied that it is safe to re-start the equipment.