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There is an old saying that goes, "There is
safety in numbers". Of course, it's talking about the security of
being in a group of people. But today let's look at this old adage in a
little different way.
We're going to take a look at something called
"Lockout/Tagout". And we're going to look at the "safety in
numbers", that is, the 6 steps of Lockout/Tagout. But let's get some
background information first.
Lockout/Tagout is a very important part of life at
work in industry. Lockout/Tagout is a safety procedure that neutralizes
and secures hazardous energy in a machine, device, or system so that
employees can work on it safely. Lockout/Tagout protects our workers from
injury, or even death, caused by the unexpected start-up of the machine
they are working on or around. Lockout/Tagout should be used during all
procedures that require the worker to place any part of his or her body in
the danger zone or point of operations of the machine or device.
Lockout/Tagout requirements and regulations are found in OSHA's code - 29
CFR 1910.147 - the control of hazardous energy, lockout/tagout. You can
read the code at the OSHA
website.
In lockout/tagout use there are two basic groups of
people: "authorized" team members and "affected" team
members. Authorized employees are those who perform lockout/tagout
procedures. In our facility this group includes maintenance, sanitation,
quality assurance and some of our machine technicians. They have been
given special training in using lockout/tagout procedures.
"Affected" team members don't perform lockout/tagout, but their
ability to perform their job is affected by someone locking out their
equipment. They get training, too, but it is limited to recognizing
lockout/tagout and understanding its purpose. There is also a third group,
which some folks call "others". This usually refers to people
such as office personnel, who rarely are around the machinery or
production floor.
Each company issues padlocks and tags to secure the
energy sources and warn team members that the machine is not ready for
use. The company is also required to supply other tools, equipment and
devices necessary to accomplish a secure lockout/tagout procedure. When I
use the term "lockout", I am referring to the use of both
a lock and a warning tag. Our company policy requires the use of both,
not just one or the other. This is a best practice issue.
In order to use lockout/tagout you must understand
the types of energy sources in your machine, how to control them, and how
to secure those energy sources. That's why authorized employees need
special training in using lockout/tagout procedures. We have close to 400
written procedures to help our authorized team members to make sure they
lockout correctly. Your company probably has written procedures, also.
OSHA require written lockout/tagout procedures for most machinery and
companies. Again, you can check the OSHA
website for specifics.
So what are the "numbers"? These are the
6 steps for accomplishing lockout/tagout:
- Prepare for shutdown
. This includes notifying team
members who will be affected by the procedure. On the line, we usually
notify the supervisor and they in turn will notify others that need to
know.
- Shut down the machine
. This may involve reviewing the
procedure to make sure that it is done correctly.
- Identify
all the hazardous energy sources. Electricity is just
one source. They're all listed in our procedures. Be sure to identify
"hidden" sources of energy. These sources may be residual or
stored energy sources.
- Isolate or neutralize
all hazardous energy sources. This
includes shutting of switches, turning off valves, and various other
actions.
- Lockout the energy sources
. This is usually done at the same
time you perform step 4. Be sure to neutralize and secure residual and
stored energy.
- The most important step is this one, verify your lockout
procedure. Make sure that the machine is completely locked out…and
that you have the right machine!
There is also a correct way to remove
lockout/tagout. First, make sure the machine is clear of tools and people!
Second, replace any guards and safety devices that were removed. Check
again to be sure no one is in the danger zone. If all is safe, you can
remove lockout/tagout and return the machine to service.
Lockout/tagout is designed for your safety. Use
it and understand it. I want you to go home with all the body parts you
came in with… And so does your family!
Be Safe...
Work Safely...
Think SAFETY!!! |
