Lion's office will be closed at 3:30 PM ET on Friday, May 23 and all day on Monday, May 26. Online training support is available from 8:30 AM to 5 PM ET. Contact support@lion.com.
Search

Procedures for Locking Out Hazardous Equipment

Posted on 7/2/2013 by Joel Gregier

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requires workers to follow specific procedures when disabling machinery or equipment during service and maintenance. Commonly called “lockout/tagout,” the goal of these rules is to prevent the release of potentially hazardous energy. Working on a machine that is still powered on can be very dangerous. When a machine is powered down for service or maintenance, non-maintenance employees should be aware that the machinery is off limits for normal use.
 
OSHA has a step-by-step process for both “application of control” (i.e., powering down a machine and affixing a lockout/tagout device) and “release from lockout or tagout” (i.e., removing the lockout/tagout device and starting the machine back up). The rules for these can be found at 29 CFR 1910.147(d)-(e).
 
 
Affixing a Lockout/Tagout Device
 
Lockout devices (i.e., blank flanges, bolted slip blinds, and key or combination locks) have specific requirements that they must meet. One of those requirements is that they must be “identifiable,” meaning that they indicate the identity of the employee applying the device. [29 CFR 1910.147(c)(5)(ii)(D)]
Lock Tag out Hazardous Equipment
 
There is nothing in the rules that prevents multiple employees from using the same lock, but employers must provide a means of durably marking the employee’s name depending on who is locking out the machinery. Some companies may even choose to have locks assigned to specific employees.
 
 
Removing a Lockout/Tagout Device
 
Lockout/tagout devices may only be removed by the authorized employee who applied the device. There is an exception for this when the authorized employee is unavailable to remove it, but several requirements must be met.
 
The device may be removed under the direction of the employer, provided that specific procedures and training for such removal has been developed, documented, and incorporated into the employer’s energy control program.
 
In addition, the employer must be able to demonstrate that:
 
  • The authorized employee is not at the facility,
  • Reasonable efforts have been made to contact the authorized employee and inform him or her that the lockout/tagout device has been removed, and
  • The authorized employee has this knowledge before he or she resumes work at the facility. [29 CFR 1910.147(e)(3)]
RCRA Hazardous Waste Training Banner
 
 
Following established lockout/tagout procedures for machinery is critical to protect employees from serious on-the-job injuries and even death. Ensure your team is prepared to identify and protect themselves from the hazards at your facility with convenient, easy-to-use online courses from Lion Technology. See the full catalog of online courses, available 24/7, at Lion.com
 

Tags: best, osha, practices

Find a Post

Compliance Archives

Lion - Quotes

Energetic/enthusiastic! Made training enjoyable, understandable and fun!

Amanda Walsh

Hazardous Waste Professional

Best instructor ever! I was going to take my DOT training w/a different provider, but based on this presentation, I will also be doing my DOT training w/Lion!

Donna Moot

Hazardous Waste Professional

I can take what I learned in this workshop and apply it to everyday work and relate it to my activities.

Shane Hersh

Materials Handler

The instructor created a great learning environment.

Avinash Thummadi

CAD & Environmental Manager

The instructor made the class very enjoyable and catered to the needs of our group.

Sarah Baker

Planner

Lion's training was by far the best online RCRA training I've ever taken. It was challenging and the layout was great!

Paul Harbison

Hazardous Waste Professional

Lion provided an excellent introduction to environmental regulations, making the transition to a new career as an EHS specialist less daunting of a task. Drinking from a fire hose when the flow of water is lessened, is much more enjoyable!

Stephanie Weathers

SHE Specialist

As always, Lion never disappoints

Paul Resley

Environmental Coordinator

Our instructor was very dynamic and kept everyone's interest. Hazmat shipping can be a dry, complicated topic but I was engaged the entire time.

Kimberly Arnao

Senior Director of EH&S

This training broke down the regulations in an easy-to-understand manner and made them less overwhelming. I now feel I have the knowledge to make more informed decisions.

Amanda Oswald

Shipping Professional

Download Our Latest Whitepaper

Tips to identify and manage universal waste under more-stringent state regulations for generators and universal waste handlers in California.

Latest Whitepaper

By submitting your phone number, you agree to receive recurring marketing and training text messages. Consent to receive text messages is not required for any purchases. Text STOP at any time to cancel. Message and data rates may apply. View our Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy.