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.

 

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