Due Diligence for Canadian Workers
Across Canada, employers and employees rely on due diligence to ensure everyone is working toward the same goal: going…
Read moreFriday, Apr 27th, 2018
Construction uses a lot of powered equipment. There will be times when this equipment needs to be serviced. Turning off equipment before maintenance may not keep workers safe. What if someone turns equipment back on when a worker’s hands are inside the engine? What if gravity pulls down the top plate on a press while a worker is under it? These situations can result in injury or death. Lockout/tagout prevents incidents by making it impossible for the equipment to run while being serviced.
Lockout/tagout requires that a designated individual, known as the authorized person, turns off and disconnects the equipment from its energy source before servicing it. This authorized person then discharges or blocks off any stored energy and locks and tags the machine’s energy-isolating devices to prevent the release of hazardous energy.
Lockout/tagout involves the authorized person and affected employees. The authorized person:
The authorized person might be the operator of the equipment or a designated repair person.
Employees are considered affected if their job is interrupted by lockout/tagout procedures. The equipment operator is typically an affected employee unless they are the authorized person. The authorized person informs affected employees that lockout/tagout will occur. Affected employees then leave the area until work is complete.
Each authorized person must understand these lockout/tagout terms:
Equipment can store energy after the energy source has been isolated. For example:
All stored energy must be discharged, disengaged or blocked before maintenance.
The authorized person must follow the correct procedures for the equipment he or she will service. In general he or she should:
Before affected employees can reenter the area, the authorized person must:
Locks secure energy isolation points so equipment can’t be energized. Tags draw attention to the fact that the equipment is locked out. Tags should always be used with locks. Never remove locks or tags that you did not install. Locks must withstand all work conditions. Tags must be legible and have warnings like “do not start,” “do not energize” or “do not operate.” The tag’s fastener should be made of non-reusable material that can withstand at least 50 lbs., usually a nylon zip tie. Attach locks and tags to energy isolating devices securely.
When a group is working on a piece of equipment, special measures must be taken. During a group lockout procedure, designate one authorized person to oversee safety. Each authorized worker must have locks for his or her individual job. A group lockbox which holds keys helps avoid confusion. Take special care during shift changes. Outgoing and incoming authorized employees must coordinate a smooth exchange of lockout/tagout devices
The Occupational Health and Safety Administration estimates that lockout/tagout systems prevent 120 deaths and 50,000 injuries every year. It can’t be emphasized enough how important it is to follow lockout/tagout procedures. Know what part you play and never tamper with locks and tags, especially when they’re being used. A person’s life and limbs could depend on it.
For more lockout/tagout information and resources, visit https://www.osha.gov/SLTC/controlhazardousenergy/
SafetySkills offers a comprehensive course over lockout/tagout procedures in the construction industry, which covers the following topics: