Print a Sign-In Sheet | Spanish Version
If employees of a company are required to perform hazardous maintenance or repair of machines/equipment, a formal written lockout/tagout program must be developed and implemented. This program must include machine-specific procedures for shutdown and re-energizing equipment and training for affected employees, including those who operate, service, or work near the equipment in question.
The procedures must be followed during the servicing or maintenance of machines to avoid the unexpected energization or start-up of the machinery or equipment or the release of stored energy, which could cause injury to employees.
Procedures will vary, depending on the following:
- Whether the source of hazardous energy is electrical, hydraulic, pneumatic, mechanical, thermal, or chemical.
- How many employees are affected.
All employees should be familiar with lockout/tagout procedures for their company’s operations, and a review should be done periodically.
The following steps are a review of what should be done to safely de-energize equipment:
- Think, plan, and check; identify all parts of any systems that need to be shut down. Find the switches, valves, or other devices that need to be locked out.
- Notify all affected employees that the equipment will be shut down.
- Shut down the equipment by normal stopping procedures and make sure all power sources have been located, including stored energy in springs or hydraulic systems.
- Neutralize all power at its source. Disconnect electricity and block movable parts. Release or block spring energy and drain/bleed hydraulic and pneumatic lines. Lower suspended parts to rest positions.
- Lockout/tagout the energy isolating devices with assigned, individual locks. Use locks specifically designed for this purpose.
- Assure that no personnel are exposed, then test the operating controls to be sure the power doesn’t come on.
- Turn controls back to off, then perform necessary repairs/maintenance.
When maintenance is complete, before restarting equipment:
- Check to make sure all employees are out of the area.
- Remove tools, reinstall machine guards.
- Verify equipment controls are in neutral position.
- Remove lockout devices and re-energize the machine/equipment.
- Notify affected employees that machines are back in use.
KEMI does not assume liability for the content of information contained herein. Safety and health remain your responsibility. This information is to be used for informational purposes only and not intended to be exhaustive or a substitute for proper training, supervision, or manufacturers’ instructions/recommendations. KEMI, by publication of this information, does not assume liability for damage or injury arising from reliance upon it. Compliance with this information is not a guarantee or warranty that you will be in conformity with any laws or regulations nor does it ensure the absolute safety of any person, place, or object, including, but not limited to, you, your occupation, employees, customers, or place of business.
