Why is Lockout/Tagout Important?

The OSHA standard for The Control of Hazardous Energy (Lockout/Tagout), 29 CFR 1910.147, addresses safety procedures used in the workplace to ensure that dangerous machines are properly shut off and not able to be started up again prior to the completion of maintenance or servicing work. This requires that hazardous energy sources be isolated by deenergizing machines and equipment to render them inoperative.

Lockout/Tagout protects against the physical hazards that can result in serious injuries due to the power of machinery and equipment. Following OSHA`s lockout/tagout program protects employees from serious physical hazards that can result in the following:

• Shock and electrocution
• Burns
• Cuts and slices
• Pinching and Crushing
• Death

The OSHA standard for Selection and Use of Work Practices, 29 CFR 1910.333, also sets forth requirements to protect employees working on electric circuits and equipment. This standard requires workers to use safe work practices, including lockout and tagging procedures. The provisions of the standard apply when employees are exposed to electrical hazards while working on, near, or with conductors or systems that use electric energy.

Isolating Energy Sources

The lockout/tagout standard establishes the employer`s responsibility to protect employees from hazardous energy sources that can be electrical, mechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic, chemical, thermal, and possibly many other energy sources. Such energy sources need to be isolated and then locked with a tag placed on the lock identifying the worker who has placed the lock and tag. The worker then holds the key for the lock ensuring that only he or she can start the machinery or equipment. This prevents accidental startup of such machinery while it is in a hazardous state or while a worker is in direct contact with it.

Employee Training

Training needs to ensure that employees know, understand, and follow the applicable provisions of the hazardous energy control procedures. Employee training is required to include:

• Aspects of the employer`s energy control program.
• Elements of the energy control procedure relevant to the employee`s work.
• Various requirements of the OSHA standards related to lockout/tagout.

Employer Requirements

OSHA requirements for employers are contained in the standards when employees are exposed to hazardous energy while servicing and maintaining equipment and machinery. Many of the most critical requirements from these standards include:

• Develop, implement, and enforce the energy control program.
• Lockout devices need to be used for equipment that can be locked out.
• Use tagout devices in lieu of lockout devices only if the tagout program provides employee protection equivalent to that provided through a lockout program and only if machines or equipment are not capable of being locked out.
• Make sure that new or overhauled equipment is capable of being locked out.
• Develop, document, implement, and enforce energy control procedures. [See the note to 29 CFR 1910.147(c)(4)(i) for an exception to the documentation requirements.]
• Devices used for lockout/tagout must be authorized for the particular equipment or machinery and must be durable, standardized, and substantial.
• Establish a policy that permits only the employee who applied a lockout/tagout device to remove it. [See 29 CFR 1910.147(e)(3) for exception.]
• Devices used for lockout/tagout must identify the individual users.
• Inspect energy control procedures at least annually.
• Training must be effective and documented for all employees as required by the standard.
• Adhere to any additional energy control provisions contained in the OSHA standards when machines or equipment must be tested or re-positioned, when outside contractors work at the site, in group lockout situations, and during shift or personnel changes.