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.