Lockout/Tagout Procedure
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.
lockout/tagout Related articles
- See lockout/tagout
Tags: Valves