Purpose and When to Implement
The purpose of the Lockout/Tagout program is to protect employees from unexpected start-up of machines or equipment or release of hazardous energy while they are performing maintenance or servicing. This program applies to servicing and maintenance activities where energized equipment or systems (electrical, mechanical or chemical) are involved or any type system that has the ability to release energy in an unexpected, hazardous manner.
Lockout/Tagout shall be implemented for the following conditions:
- The removal or bypass of machine guarding or other safety device (such as sensor based devices).
- Activities that require a person to place his/her body into an area of the equipment where work is being performed on material (point of operation) or where an associated danger zone exists during a machine-operating cycle.
Minor servicing activities that take place during normal operations are not covered by this program if tasks are routine, repetitive, integral to the equipment, and if effective protection exist for the employees.
Training
Authorized Employees, who exercise lockout/tagout procedures must have proper training and Affected Employees, who do not perform the lockout/tagout procedures but are impacted by these activities, should be provided awareness level training. Supervisors are responsible for making sure their employees have this training.
OCRS Services
- Supervisor and employee training
- Technical assistance with sign placement and applicability to equipment (including specialized), and equipment specifications.
Resources
- The Control of Hazardous Energy (Lockout/Tagout) - (OSHA 29 CFR 1910.147)
- OSHA Technical Links: Control of Hazardous Energy (Lockout/Tagout)
- Preventing Worker Deaths from Uncontrolled Release of Electrical, Mechanical, and Other Types of Hazardous Energy (NIOSH)
See also Electrical Safety links.
Questions
If you have questions about Lockout/Tagot, please contact Mark Bogard (mark.j.bogard@vumc.org).