![]() ![]() It's necessary for them to be able to identify potentially dangerous energy sources and thoroughly understand the measures for isolating and controlling them.Īffected employees: These are professionals who usually operate the equipment but don't have the authorization to conduct LOTO. Generally, three types of employees typically receive LOTO training:Īuthorized employees: People who conduct repairs or service activities that can cause exposure to hazardous energy are the only professionals authorized to lock and tag machinery and equipment. They also promote the careful use of energy sources such as pressurized gas, electricity, high-pressure water, and steam. LOTO procedures encourage safety around machinery and equipment even if they're not in operation. This can help safeguard all employees, not only those working directly with equipment to fix and maintain them. LOTO processes alert employees to scheduled and ongoing maintenance. These practices may help create uniformity in organizational safety culture because some people may be more familiar with specific types of machinery than others. These procedures can also protect the equipment or machines from possible costly damage. Lockout/tag-out procedures are vital protection measures that safeguard employees and avoid accidental machine activation, shutdown, or release during maintenance. Read more: Employee Handbook: Definition, Importance, and Sections The importance of LOTO procedures Employees that participate in the LOTO process install locks on equipment to restrict others from switching them on and indicate that maintenance is currently in progress. These processes entail physically attaching locks and tags to equipment parts to notify all employees of maintenance operations and prevent mishaps. Lockout/tag-out procedures, also referred to as LOTO procedures, are a sequence of safety protocols designed to prevent personal injury or damage to property when working on, around, or with machinery. ![]() In this article, we discuss what lockout/tag-out procedures are, explore why they're essential, highlight the employees that require this training, and share the steps involved. Learning about these practices can help ensure a safer work environment. ![]() These procedures help guarantee that employees are safe when operating equipment and machines and protected from harmful energy emissions while servicing and maintaining equipment. Conduct periodic review of lockout procedures (required at least annually) to ensure they are up-to-date and requirements are being met.Lockout/tag out (LOTO) is a series of safety practices mandated by the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS). Make corrections, changes and additions to the program. Identify and document changes to existing procedures and new energy sources that require lockout. Post reminders and have the necessary lockout/tagout devices readily available. Initiate and enact the lockout/tagout program in accordance with the training procedures. Accomplish this through comprehensive training programs and certifications. Identify employees’ level of involvement in the program – those that are made aware, affected and to perform the lockout procedures. Set-Up Lockout Training & Procedure Programĭevelop, standardize and document the lockout process for each energy source.Standardize the devices for various functions for proper identification. Identify and document the necessary devices that isolate and lockout energy sources, and secure them for on-site use. Post signs and apply labels and tags to warn and identify. ![]() Locate and document start-up areas of energy sources such as: mechanical, thermal, stored energy, electrical, pressure, hydraulic and process control. Identify & Mark Energy Sources and Lockout Points.Survey your facility for all machinery and equipment that have the potential for requiring lockout. Develop List of Machinery and Equipment.Here are 7 steps to creating an effective lockout/tagout program:īecome familiar with the federal regulations known as The Control of Hazardous Energy (Lockout/Tagout). The standard also identifies products used for achieving these goals, such as lockout and tagout devices. To ensure machines and equipment remain inoperable means establishing a “program consisting of energy control procedures, employee training, and periodic inspections…” as described in the OSHA standard. Procedures, devices and personnel must be set in place to prevent the serious injury or death that could occur when someone thinks something is safely off. Comply with OSHA Regulations and LOCK IT OUT! Before repairs, servicing, maintenance, or set-up of machines and equipment can begin, prevent the unexpected – the accidental start-up! Just shutting down or disconnecting equipment is not enough… Lockout/Tagout keeps employees safe by making it inoperable. ![]()
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