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 -
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- 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 -
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- Tell affected employees you'll be locking out the equipment and why.
- Locate the power sources -
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- including stored in springs or hydraulic systems.
- Neutralize all power at its source -
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- 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 -
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- Use a tagout device only for this purpose.
- Each worker should have a personal lock.
- Test operating controls -
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- 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 -
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- 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.
