Lockout and Tagout Policy

Lockout / tagout is an additional means of preventing accidents. When electrical equipment and other services need to be repaired or serviced they must have their power source disconnected. To prevent accidental energy releases to the equipment, lockout/tagout procedures exist.

Lockout refers to using a locking device, usually a key or combination lock, to secures a valve, lever, or electrical switch in the “OFF” position. Tagout refers to placing a tag on a power source warning employees not to turn the power ON.

Your manager has “tags” which are used to alert and warn employees not to turn on or plug in the identified power source. Your manager will show you one of the tags and explain who has authority to place and remove them.

Written Energy Control Program: The Company maintains a written energy control program, including documented, equipment-specific lockout/tagout procedures, as required by OSHA 29 CFR 1910.147. Copies of the written procedures for your equipment are available from your manager.

Training: Before performing lockout/tagout work, authorized employees (those who perform the lockout/tagout) and affected employees (those who operate or work near locked-out equipment) must complete training on hazardous energy recognition, control procedures, and the limitations of tags. All other employees who may encounter locked-out equipment are trained on the purpose of the procedure and the prohibition against removing or bypassing locks and tags. Retraining is required whenever job assignments, machines, energy control procedures, or hazards change.

Periodic Inspection: Each energy control procedure is inspected at least annually by an authorized employee who does not perform the procedure being inspected, to confirm the procedure and this policy are being followed. The Company certifies each periodic inspection in writing, identifying the equipment, the date, the employees included, and the person performing the inspection.

Lockout/Tagout Procedures:

Any time you clean, repair, service, inspect, or clear equipment, you must:

• Alert others that you are starting a lockout/tagout procedure.

• Turn off the equipment and disconnect the power supply.

• Test the “ON” switch to confirm the disconnect, then return switch to the “OFF” position.

• Release stored energy in springs, unsecured machine parts, air, gas, or water pressure.

• Lock or block out the energy sources with the required lock and/or tag.

• Retest the “ON” switch, then return it to the “OFF” position.

When cleaning, repair, service, inspection, or clearing of the equipment is completed, you must:

• Check the area to be sure all tools have been removed and guards are in place.

• Alert others that you are ready to start up the equipment.

• Remove locks/tags. Locks/tags must only be removed by the person who installed them.

• Connect the power supply and return the switch to the “ON” position.

• Turn the equipment on. Observe equipment in operation to be sure job was done correctly.