top of page

General Orientation

Rev. November 10, 2020

Lockout and Tag

The purpose of this policy is to ensure that employees will not be injured or otherwise harmed by the accidental or otherwise starting of any machine, device or process that has been made inoperable for maintenance activities (oiled, greased, cleaned, inspected or repaired) and to be aware of when lockout/tagout is needed and how to apply the procedure.

To reduce the possibility of injury and/or to prevent damage to property with a lock-out tag procedure performer by an authorized competent worker.

For all workers to be aware that a DANGER DO NOT OPERATE tag and lock must be used when repairing, servicing, inspecting, or cleaning equipment and/or machinery.

That under no circumstances is machinery and/or equipment to be operated with a lock-out tag DANGER DO NOT OPERATE unless proper procedure and communication has been established

Lockout and Tag Procedure

(Document Web Link)

Inspection

Any equipment that can cause injury to a worker or damage to property must be locked out

Prior to locking and tagging equipment you must inspect the workplace for hazardous and/or potentially hazardous conditions.

 

This includes but not limited to;

· Unauthorized personnel

· Equipment

· Unlevel Ground

 

You can do so by removing and/or guarding hazards and/or potential hazards according to safety legislation, company standards and manufacturer specifications.

 

Workers shall complete an Operator’s Daily Inspection Report and Workplace Daily Task Card (“The 5 Point Card”) and use them as assessment tools for this procedure

 

Identifying

Identify prime mover(s) and other related equipment to be locked out and tagged is essential. The type and magnitude of the energy to be controlled, hazards present and control measures to be used need to be identified in order to safely lockout equipment. You can identify sources needing a lock and tag by reviewing the following;

· Workplace layouts

· Project Drawings

· Jobsite Inspections

· Equipment Circle-Checks

· Following instructions according to safety legislation, company standards and manufacturer specifications

 

A lock and tag are required for tasks such as maintenance and/or clean up including air or water lines and the following forms of energy, including;

· Hydraulic Energy such as pressurized fluids

· Kinetic Energy such as caused by motion or thermal

· Stored “Potential Energy” such as capacitors and springs

· Pneumatic Energy such as pressurized air

· Gravity Energy such as an object falling to the ground due to its position

· Electrical Energy such as breakers and fuse panels

· Mechanical Energy such as engines

· Chemical Energy such as batteries and petroleum

 

In some instances, there may be more than one power source feeding equipment and steps must be taken to ensure that all sources are effectively locked out and de-energized. Other sources of energy that could create a hazard while working include flywheels, gravity, springs, capacitors, compressed air, hydraulics, steam and other pressurized or hazardous liquids and gases.

 

Once you’ve identified all of the energy forms of energy needing a lock and tag, notify your supervisor and all personnel that will be affected by your procedure.

 

De-engergize

De-energizing the system and other related equipment is crucial to ensure a zero-energy state and to proceed in safeguarding workers from the potential hazard.

Before de-energizing;

· Communicate your intent with the supervisor

· Verify that all workers affected by the shutdown are aware

 

This can be achieved by

· Operating stop button(s)

· Elector Switches

· Pedals

· Valves

· Levers

· Disconnects/Breakers

 

Caution, A disconnect switch should normally be operated with the left hand with the body to the right side of the switch and the head turned away from the switch. This is to minimize risk of injury should the switch explode due to arcing. When opening the main disconnect, a quick step to the right should be taken, as the knives disengage, or when closing the main disconnect the knives engage. Any difficulties should be report to the supervisor.

 

Each person involved in the work must be appropriately trained competent worker and check that there is no stored or residual energy that could create a hazard. After ensuring that the machine, device or process has been completely shut down, isolate all energy sources using the appropriate energy-isolating device, which may include disconnect switches, blocks, blanks, line valves, etc., and required method of isolation.

 

Shut down the machine, device or process using normal operational shutdown procedure and controls. This should be done in consultation with the workers that are involved and affected by the activity, the affected workers (i.e., equipment operator).

 

If fuses are to be removed, qualified personnel must use fuse pullers due to the proximity of the bus bar, which is still energized. The removal of fuses only does not constitute a lockout.

Shut down and isolate all energy sources with the appropriate energy-isolating device.

If the equipment has a key, the key must be removed and brought to your supervisor immediately after completing the lockout procedure.

 

 

Lockout and Tagging

Lock out and tag prime mover(s) and other related equipment is essential to maintain a zero-energy state and to prevent unexpected movement, energization, start-up or release of stored energy.

 

Installing lock(s) securely;

· Put your lock on the master switch or panel

· Install blocking devices and/or chains if required

 

Installing a tag(s) securely;

· Write down the reason for your lockout on the tag

· Print and your name on the tag in a legible fashion

· Write down the date of the lockout

· Put the tag in a conspicuous location

· Prevent it from being inadvertently removed

· The authorized person installing the lockout device must always attach the appropriate personal lockout device and tag

· Never use someone else’s lock and/or tag

· Always attach the appropriate personal lockout device/tag

 

Verify Zero-Energy

Verify zero energy state to prevent unexpected movement, energization.

Try to start-up or release the stored energy by attempting to operate the / energize equipment / machinery / devices / controls in the workplace and by other available means, including;

· Programmable Logic Controllers

· Remote Controls

· Start Buttons

· Selector Switches

· Pedals

· Levers

· Valves

 

You can verify zero-energy through a visual inspection but it may require additional testing such as

· Monitoring Devices

· Specialty Gauges

 

Check that the main disconnect switch cannot be moved to the “on” position.

Ensure that all of the operating controls and switches are returned to the “off” position before starting any other work activity

 

Service Procedure

Perform the work to be done while the prime mover and/or other related equipment / machinery is locked out and tagged. This includes any;

· Inspections

· Clean ups

· Servicing

· Maintenance or Repairs

· Testing

Report the results of your work to your supervisor.

If the work has not been completed in one shift, the next worker/operator should install a personal lock and tag before the first worker/operator removes the original lock and tag. If there is a delay, a lock and tag could be installed by the next supervisor.  

 

Removal Procedure

· Obtain authorization from your supervisor to remove the lock and tag

· Ensure the work has been completed and all guards are in place and secured

· Visually inspect the equipment to ensure proper precautions have been met

· Remove the lock and tag

· Inform your supervisor and affected persons after completing this process

 

Re-energize

· Energize the prime mover by activating power sources and removing blocking devices and/or chains

· Operate the start button

· Selector switches

· Pedals

· Valves and levers

· Close disconnects or breakers

Picture4.jpg
bottom of page