Lock-Out/Tag-Out

Lock out / Tag out in the Workplace

by Susan Reschny & Jan Semenoff

Approximately 10% of all incidents in the workplace are the result of a failure to control energy. In North America this year, 130,000 workers will be needlessly injured and 160 will loose their lives, by failing to follow simple Lock-Out / Tag-Out principles. Most energy related injuries occur while employees are performing routine maintenance, repairs, or cleaning equipment. Proper Lock-Out / Tag-Out procedures and training will reduce the number of these incidences to zero.

Many workers feel that Lock-Out / Tag-Out procedures are a waste of time. In a typical scenario, tasks that are perceived as a quick “in-and-out” situation will have Lock-Out / Tag-Out procedures neglected. Although it does take a few minutes to lock out a machine appropriately, with proper education and good procedural guidelines, Lock-Out / Tag-Out can become an ingrained practise for workers.

Remember, the purpose of Lock-Out / Tag-Out procedures is to prevent injuries and deaths that result from the accidental release of stored energy. Workers need to recognize that energy can be available in many different forms, such as

Thermal
Chemical
Kinetic
Gravitational
Hydraulic
Pneumatic
Electrical
Mechanical action,

Energy may also be present or potential in nature. Sometimes, modern machines have numerous energy sources, and may require more than one energy control action. Workers must also know that certain types of energy may need to be dissipated before work can begin. It may be necessary to “bleed off” stored energy in the form of hydraulic or pneumatic pressure. The dissipation of stored electrical energy may also be necessary under certain conditions. Some industrial-size capacitors are capable of storing enormous amounts of electrical energy, just waiting to discharge when an unwary worker touches an exposed component.

Occupational accident theorists define “workplace incidents” as resulting from unwanted contact with uncontrolled energy sources. In order to reduce these contacts, workers must make sure that all sources of energy are controlled. Lock-Out / Tag-Out procedures are the first step in controlling energy sources.

There are a number of steps that must be taken to prepare an area for safe, energy-free maintenance.

Preparation – think through the task
Notification of other workers who will be affected by the shut-down of machinery
Shut down of the operating controls
Isolating the area where work will be performed
Lock-Out / Tag-Out of the affected controls or switches.
Purging or dissipation of any residual energy
Performing a safety check to see if re-activation is possible

More than half of injured or killed workers were production workers, who were not authorized to service locked-out equipment. This is a training issue. Lock-Out / Tag-Out procedures must be taught to both authorized maintenance workers, and other affected employees to prevent these losses.

Although procedures are necessary, there is no substitute for observant workers and good communication. Always ask questions. Tools and debris need to be accounted for, along with other workers. Since each worker will have control of the re-activation process through their individual Lock-Out / Tag-Out devices, this should not be a problem.

Lock-Out / Tag-Out procedures are a requirement under all Occupational Health & Safety Acts. Be sure that your workplace has proper policy and procedure in place for the safety of all. Although seemingly simple, thoroughness is necessary when developing these procedures. In order to communicate safe work practices developed by these procedures, training is required. Make safety a positive aspect of your workplace culture.

(Editor’s Note: This month, we have released the “Lock-Out / Tag-Out in the Workplace” E-Learning module. For more information, click here…)

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Lock out / Tag out in the Workplace

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