HAZARDOUS ENERGY CONTROL (LOCKOUT/TAGOUT)

ULM Policy: https://webservices.ulm.edu/policies/download-policy/345

Unfortunately, many workers are seriously injured and in some instances die from on-the-job accidents. Almost every case could have been prevented. In most cases though, it is not until a serious incident occurs causing injury and/or death, that procedures are finally developed or put into action. It isn't always the new guy on the job who gets into such situations - it may be the old-timer who is certain "IT WON'T HAPPEN TO ME". 
 

In accordance with the attached OSHA Control of Hazardous Energy guidelines, personnel at the University of Louisiana at Monroe will ensure that all necessary steps will be taken while servicing and performing maintenance on machinery or equipment or processes where a sudden release of stored energy might result in accidental injury. Energy sources are not limited to electrical oriented machinery, equipment or processes, but will include any source of sudden energy release which may be harmful (i.e. air pressure, heat, steam, springs under tension or hydraulic systems).

RESPONSIBILITIES

EMPLOYEES: Only employees who are qualified and authorized will service, perform maintenance or make any adjustments to machinery, equipment or processes having the potential of a hazardous energy release. Work will not be performed in such a manner to bypass the requirements of this standard. Workers who fail to comply may be subject to disciplinary actions which may include dismissal according to the seriousness of the particular incident.

SUPERVISORS: Supervisors are responsible for the well-being and training of all workers under their cognizance as well as ensuring that all necessary safety procedures are followed. In any situation where the worker refuses to follow recognized guidelines, the supervisor will require the individual to leave the work area as soon as possible. Disciplinary actions may be taken in accordance with Human Resources standards.

Employees will be issued tools or devices needed to meet the requirements of this standard and will work in accordance with this standard.

Training

Each authorized employee shall receive training in the recognition of applicable hazardous energy sources, the type and magnitude of the energy available in the workplace, and the methods and means necessary for energy isolation and control annually.

Each affected employee shall be instructed in the purpose and use of the energy control procedure every three years.

Employee retraining shall be provided for all authorized and affected employees whenever there is a change in their job assignments, a change in machines, equipment or processes that present a new hazard, or when there is a change in the energy control procedures.

Definitions

Affected employee - An employee whose job requires him/her to operate or use a machine or equipment on which servicing or maintenance is being performed under lockout or tagout, or whose job requires him/her to work in an area in which such servicing or maintenance is being performed.

Authorized employee -  A person who locks out or tags out machines or equipment in order to perform servicing or maintenance on that machine or equipment. An affected employee becomes an authorized employee when that employee's duties include performing servicing or maintenance covered under this section.

Capable of being locked out - An energy isolating device is capable of being locked out if it has a hasp or other means of attachment to which, or through which, a lock can be affixed, or it has a locking mechanism built into it. Other energy isolating devices are capable of being locked out, if lockout can be achieved without the need to dismantle, rebuild, or replace the energy isolating device or permanently alter its energy control capability.

Energized -  Connected to an energy source or containing residual or stored energy.

Energy isolating device - A mechanical device that physically prevents the transmission or release of energy, including but not limited to the following: a manually operated electrical circuit breaker; a disconnect switch; a manually operated switch by which the conductors of a circuit can be disconnected from all ungrounded supply conductors; no pole can be operated independently; a line valve; a block; and any similar device used to block or isolate energy. Push buttons, selector switches and other control circuit type devices are not energy isolating devices.

Energy source - Any source of electrical, mechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic, chemical, thermal, or other energy.

Hot tap - A procedure used in the repair, maintenance and services activities which involves welding on a piece of equipment (pipelines, vessels or tanks) under pressure, in order to install connections or appurtenances.  The procedure is commonly used to replace or add sections of pipeline without the interruption of services for air, gas, water, steam, and petrochemical distribution systems.

Lockout - The placement of a lockout device on an energy isolating device, in accordance with an established procedure, ensuring that the energy isolating device and the equipment being controlled cannot be operated until the lockout device is removed.

Lockout device -  A device that utilizes a positive means such as a lock, either key or combination type, to hold an energy isolating device in a safe position and prevent the energizing of a machine or equipment. Included are blank flanges and bolted slip blinds.

Normal production operations - The utilization of a machine or equipment to perform its intended production function.

Servicing and/or maintenance - Workplace activities such as constructing, installing, setting up, adjusting, inspecting, modifying, and maintaining and/or servicing machines or equipment. These activities include lubrication, cleaning or unjamming of machines or equipment and making adjustments or tool changes, where the employee may be exposed to the unexpected energization or startup of the equipment or release of hazardous energy.

Setting up - Any work performed to prepare a machine or equipment to perform its normal production operation.

Tagout - The placement of a tagout device on an energy isolating device, in accordance with an established procedure, to indicate that the energy isolating device and the equipment being controlled may not be operated until the tagout device is removed.

Tagout device - A prominent warning device, such as a tag and a means of attachment, which can be securely fastened to an energy isolating device in accordance with an established procedure, to indicate that the energy isolating device and the equipment being controlled may not be operated until the tagout device is removed.

LOCKOUT/TAGOUT PROCEDURES

Lockout/tagout procedures to be used before any equipment adjustment, maintenance or working on exposed energized circuitry:

1. Locate energy source and control method.
2. Notify employees or anyone using facilities of the necessity for using lockout/tagout procedures.
3. Determine lockout and/or tagout energy controls to be applied in Off or safe positions of switches, panels and breakers. If it is appropriate for the job, position a person at the panel or at the controls to ensure protection.
4. Test to verify energy has been isolated from equipment or exposed working surfaces.
5. Perform necessary adjustments, repairs or maintenance. When completed, ensure that all covers, guards and protective devices are in place.

Notify all affected personnel before removing lockout/tagout devices and re-energizing. Only the worker who applied the lock or tag is authorized to remove it.

Group Lockout/Tagout

When more than one person is involved in a job-associated lockout/tagout control, there is a shared responsibility to work together and make certain that all parties are in the control chain. Each authorized employee shall affix a personal lockout or tagout device to the group lockout device and all parties will be made aware as to the status of the work. When the work is completed each will remove his individual device in order of placement.

Contractors

Bids for contracts must specify that the bidder will furnish a copy of their Lockout/ Tagout Policy and all necessary documentation that the individuals to be working in the area have received the proper training.   A copy of this information should be forwarded to the Environmental Health & Safety Office for record retention.

If a contractor needs to lockout a piece of ULM equipment, it shall be done in conjunction with a ULM authorized employee.  Each party shall affix a personal lockout or tagout device to a group lockout device.  All parties shall be made aware as to the status of the work.