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Picture yourself
working inside a huge machine, tending to its
maintenance. Suddenly the machine springs to
life, powerful metal gears grinding around
you, placing you in mortal danger. That is
exactly the sort of terrifying scenario that
lockout/tagout is meant to prevent. Lockout/tagout
is a procedure to disable equipment to protect
workers from either an unexpected release of
energy or an accidental start-up while
performing job activities.
During
lockout/tagout, a person authorized by the
company places locks and/or tags on
energy-isolating devices before working on
equipment, and only that person can remove
those locks and tags. Isolation devices are
mechanical appliances, such as circuit
breakers, used to stop energy from being
released to the equipment. Lockout is usually
accomplished with a keyed lock holding an
isolating device in an “off” position.
Tagout, which is often used when lockout
cannot take place, uses tags to warn people
that the equipment and isolating device may
not be operated.
Lockout/tagout
in the workplace
Lockout/tagout is required when servicing or
performing maintenance on equipment. Effective
lockout/tagout should occur in three phases: applying
lockout/tagout, servicing and repairing
equipment, and returning
equipment to proper operation.
Applying Lockout/Tagout: An
authorized worker should notify others in the
area that lockout/tagout procedures will be
taking place. After listening to instructions
given by the authorized worker, all
unauthorized personnel should move to a safe
location, away from the equipment.
Note: Locks and tags must be
marked with the names or pictures of the
authorized workers. Unauthorized personnel
cannot attach or remove locks or tags on
behalf of authorized workers.
Servicing and Repairing Equipment:
Unauthorized personnel should stay away from
the equipment while the authorized person is
working on it. At this time, the equipment is
at its most vulnerable to the unexpected
release of hazardous energy.
Returning Equipment to Proper Operation:
During this phase, the authorized worker
should tell others in the area when locks and
tags will be removed. Workers should stay
clear of the area while locks and tags are
removed and the equipment is prepared for
normal operation. All personnel should be
informed when lockout/tagout is complete.
Test
Your Knowledge of Lockout/Tagout
How familiar are you with lockout/tagout? Take
this test and find out.
(Answers at end
of article.)
1.)
What is the purpose of lockout/tagout?
a.)
To make sure the work is being completed on
time.
b.)
To protect people from serious harm due to
accidental release of energy.
c.)
To make sure the workplace is secure
after-hours.
d.)
To make sure employees are in top physical
condition.
2.)
What is an energy isolating device?
a.)
A lock
b.)
A mechanical device like a valve or a circuit
breaker
c.)
A tag
d.)
A and C
3.)
Who can service equipment?
a.)
Any employee
b.)
Management
c.)
Authorized workers
d.)
Custodians
4.)
What must happen before removing a machine
guard?
a.)
You must put on eye protection.
b.)
Ask a trusted coworker to watch the controls
so no one else will touch them.
c.)
Tell everyone you see in the work area they
need to be especially careful.
d.)
Lockout/tagout the equipment.
5.)
What is a tag used for?
a.)
To hang around a worker’s neck.
b.)
To identify company products.
c.)
A warning to not operate equipment.
d.)
None of the above
6.)
When are tags used?
a.)
When a lock cannot be used.
b.)
When products go on sale.
c.)
When a government official says they can be
used.
d.)
All of the above.
7.)
You can help an authorized person by fastening
their lock to a disconnect switch.
a.)
True
b.)
False
8.)
What kind of lock is used for lockout?
a.)
A lock from the worker’s personal locker.
b.) A
piece of strong wire.
c.) Hand
cuffs.
d.) A lock
specifically identified for lockout.
9.)
What can be used to remove a lock from an
isolating device?
a.)
A hacksaw.
b.)
A key.
c.)
Bolt cutters.
d.)
A cutting torch.
10.)
What types of lockout/tagout records should be
kept?
a.)
Written lockout/tagout procedure.
b.)
Inspection documents.
c.)
Training records.
d.)
All of the above.
A score of 10 correct answers is the only
acceptable score for total OSHA compliance.
When it comes to safety, knowledge is power,
and comprehensive training on lockout/tagout
is the best way to assure that workers are
familiar with that lifesaving procedure.
MANCOMM
American Safety Training, Inc.
Test answers: 1.)
b. 2.) b. 3.)
c. 4.) d. 5.)
c. 6.) a. 7.)
f. 8.) d. 9.)
b. 10.) d
(Article from Manufacturing.Net)
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