General • Inspections

Lock Out/Tag Out Procedures for Lockable Device

Lockout/tagout (LOTO) procedures are designed to prevent accidental startup of machines or equipment and to prevent the release of stored energy during servicing or maintenance. Use of the general lockout/tagout procedure that involves applying locks and/or tags as direct controls (as can be seen in the procedure below) , ensures that equipment is isolated from energy sources and injuries are prevented.

MaintainX

07/26/2022

Lock Out/Tag Out Procedures for Lockable Device

If an energy isolating device is lockable, but tagout is used instead, the tags must be attached at the same place where a lock would have been attached.

Employees also need to receive additional training about the limitations of a tagout program, as opposed to the more secure lockout approach, and the procedure for using those tags needs to have more rigorous periodic inspections.

The employer is responsible for demonstrating that the chosen tagout approach provides equivalent safety, in comparison to a more secure lockout approach. This may include adding more steps to the LO/TO process, such as removing circuit elements, blocking control switches, and removing valve handles, to prevent unintended or unauthorized startup.

Any such steps need to be noted in the written procedures.

Tools for Lockout/Tagout

For a lockout/tagout program to succeed, all of the tools required by a procedure need to be provided. These typically include standardized locks and tags, and may include more specialized equipment like valve covers or multi-lock hasps.

Signs and labels can also contribute to a LO/TO program. For example, lockout points and controls can be identified with a custom label.

The complete procedure for locking out a machine can even be posted right on the equipment, ensuring that no steps are forgotten.

The DuraLabel line of industrial label and sign printers can offer an easy way to create these labels on-site and on-demand.

Source: MaintainX (Community Member)