Lockout/Tagout Procedure

on . Posted in Safety Engineering

Lockout/tagout procedures can vary significantly from project to project.  For this reason everyone working on a project should know the policies for equipment lockout/tagout to create a safe work place.

Lockout Procedure

  • Think, Plan and Check  -
    • Identify all parts of any system that needs to be shut down.
    • Find the switches, valves or other devices that need to be locked out.
  • Communicate  -
    • Tell affected employees you'll be locking out the equipment and why.
  • Locate the power sources  -
    • including stored in springs or hydraulic systems.
  • Neutralize all power at its source  -
    • Disconnect electrical.
    • Block moveable parts.
    • Release or block spring energy.
    • Drain or bleed hydraulic and pneumatic lines.
    • Lower suspended parts to rest position.
  • Lock out all power sources  -
    • Use a tagout device only for this purpose. 
    • Each worker should have a personal lock.
  • Test operating controls  -
    • Turn on all controls to make sure the power doesn't go on.
    • Turn controls back to "Off"
    • Perform necessary repairs or maintenance
  • After maintenance is finished, and before restarting equipment  -
    • Remove tools.
    • Reinstall machine guards.
    • Make sure workers are a safe distance away while restoring energy.
    • Notify others that the machines are back in use.

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Tags: Valve Safety Instrumentation