Lockout-Tagout System

Introduction

Workers servicing machinery and equipment are exposed to injuries from the unexpected energization, startup of the machinery or equipment, or release of stored energy in the equipment.

120 fatalities and 50,000 injuries each year
Workers injured from exposure to hazardous energy lose an average of 24 workdays for recovery.

Most injuries and fatalities are a result of improper hazardous energy control procedures.

A Bureau of Labor Statistics study on injuries suffered when servicing equipment showed :

- 80% failed to turn off equipment
- 10% of equipment activated by someone else 
- 5% failed to control potential energy 
- Remaining 5% failed to verify the effectiveness

What is Lockout-Tagout?

Lockout-Tagout is a hazard avoidance technique, used to prevent energy from being accidentally released during the servicing of equipment.

The Lockout-Tagout standard requires the adoption and implementation of written practices and procedures to:

- Shut down equipment
- Isolate it from its energy source or sources
- Prevent the release of potentially hazardous energy while maintenance and    servicing activities are being performed


Main Causes of Lockout/Tagout Injuries

- Failure to stop equipment before servicing.
- Failure to disconnect the equipment from the power source.
- Failure to dissipate (bleed, neutralize) residual energy.
- Accidental restarting of equipment.
- Failure to clear work areas before restarting.
- All injuries resulting from inadequate hazardous energy control procedures can be prevented.

Types of Hazardous Energy

Mechanical – the potential energy and kinetic energy present in the components of a mechanical system 

Kinetic – energy possessed by virtue of its motion
Common injuries: fracture, contusion, laceration, and amputation 

Potential – energy stored by the mechanical system
Common injuries: fracture, contusion, laceration, and amputation

Electrical – energy as a result of a generated electrical power source or 
a static source
Common injuries: shock, burns, and electrocution


Thermal – energy as a result of mechanical work, radiation, chemical 
reaction or electrical resistance
Common injuries: burns
Chemical- energy released as a result of chemical Reactions
Common injuries: burns

Hydraulic – energy released as a result of liquids under Pressure
Common injuries:  and contusions

Pneumatic – energy released as a result of compressed  gasses under pressure
Common injuries: burns and contusions


Types of Lockout Devices

- Keyed and combination locks
- Ball valve locks
- Gate valve locks
- Group lockout hasp
- Circuit breaker locks
- Valve hand wheel cover


Lockout-Tagout Procedures are Required IF…

_A worker must remove or bypass machine guards or other safety devices, or

_A worker is required to place any part of their body into a point of operation or into the danger zone associated with the machine's operation

 _Examples of activities where proper Lockout-Tagout procedures would be      required include 

- Installing

- Lubricating

- Cleaning and un-jamming machines or equipment, and 

- Making adjustments or tool changes

Definition of Players

Authorized employee:  An employee who locks or tags machines or equipment in order to perform servicing or maintenance

Affected employee:  An employee who is required to use machines or equipment on which servicing is performed under the Lockout/Tagout standard or who performs other job responsibilities in an area where such servicing is performed

Other employees: All employees who are or maybe in an area where energy control procedures may be utilized

General Energy Control Procedures


Lockout Device Requirements

LOTO devices Must...

- Be capable of withstanding the environment to which they are exposed
- Be singularly identified
- Be the only devices used for controlling energy
- Not be used for other purposes
- Be standardized within the facility in terms of color, shape, or size. 
- Indicate the identity of the employee applying the devices
- Prevent removal without the use of excessive force or unusual techniques

Contact Form



***********************


***********************