What is Lockout/Tagout?
Lockout/Tagout involves de-energizing and securing equipment, machinery, or processes to prevent the reintroduction of hazardous energy during maintenance or repair
This practice is a legal requirement in the United States, while in Europe it has already been widely adopted by various companies.
Best practice:
1) Implement an energy control procedure (LOTO)
It's important to create a roadmap to successfully implement a LOTO program in which it is expected a check of all the potentially dangerous energy existing sources, creating a list, describing the procedures and defining the responsibility roles.
ADVANTAGES:
• To prevent errors and reduce the risk of workplace accidents and injuries;
• To increase operational productivity;
• OSHA requires specific documented energy control procedures for each machine.
2) Identify energy control points
At this stage it is necessary to clearly identify and mark all the energy control points, including valves, switches, circuit breakers and plugs, with permanently attached labels or tags. The products for creating labels and printing systems for the creation of signs by the customer himself, together with the resistant materials chosen for the labels, are intended to ensure reliable and durable identification for the customer.
3) Equip operators with the necessary tools and devices
Security locks, devices for locking and closing, tags, labels, lockout boxes and stations and much more.
4) Train and raise awareness to safe working methods
Through the preparation of a customized program of training sessions, with the BRADY team as a supervisor.
Usually, there are 3 groups of people with different needs in terms of raising awareness:
Authorized Personnel
Personnel who perform the lockout/tagout of machines or equipment to carry out repair and maintenance work by identifying equipment where potentially hazardous energy sources are present.
➡ Requires more in-depth training on LOTO procedures.
Affected Personnel
Personnel whose duties involve the use of a machine or equipment on which repair or maintenance work is being carried out after the LOTO procedure has been applied, and whose tasks require them to operate in the area involved.
➡ Must be informed about the LOTO procedure and should not attempt to remove lockout devices.
Other Personnel
The rest of the staff who may find themselves in situations where a lockout procedure has been implemented.
➡ Must understand the purpose of the lockout procedure and not interfere in any way with its implementation.
There are different circumstances to remember:
- Shift changes
- External contractors and outsourced maintenance work
