Administrative Lockout Device
An administrative lockout device is used to assure safeguards remain in place during change in shifts or delayed changes in personnel. Typically this device can accommodate more than one lock at a single source at one time
Administrative Lockout/Tagout
The process of isolating an energy source, as described in this procedure, when there is a change in shifts or other delays, which may result in a change of personnel assigned to complete a task.
Affected Person
An individual whose job requires them to operate or use a piece of equipment that is subject to servicing or maintenance under the Lockout/Tagout Program.
Authorized Person
A person who is appropriately trained to implement the Lockout/Tagout Program while performing required service/maintenance on a machine or equipment.
Durable
Lockout and tagout devices must withstand the environment to which they are exposed for the maximum duration of the expected exposure. Tagout devices must be constructed and printed so that they do not deteriorate or become illegible, especially when used in corrosive (acid and alkali chemicals) or wet environments.
Energized
Machines and equipment are energized when:
- They are connected to an energy source
- They contain residual or stored energy
Energy Isolating Device
A device preventing the transmission or release of energy to block or isolate it. Examples of energy isolating devices are circuit breakers, disconnect switches, slide gates, line valves, etc.
Hazardous Energy Sources
“Energy Sources” refer to all hazards that are at a level sufficient to cause injury to personnel if unexpectedly released, including but not limited to the following:
- Electricity
- Pressurized Liquids
- Stored Mechanical Energy
- Toxic Gases
- Steam
- High Temperature
- Elevated Mass
- Compressed Gas
- Chemical Activity
- Low Temperature
Identifiable
Locks and tags must clearly identify the employee who applies them. Tags also must warn against hazardous conditions and must include a legend such as the following: DO NOT START, DO NOT OPEN, DO NOT CLOSE, DO NOT ENERGIZE, DO NOT OPERATE.
Lockout
The procedure for securing a hazardous energy source with a lock or other positive means of disconnection, such as a blind, or physically disconnecting the equipment. This procedure is used to control valves, blinds, electrical isolation points, double block and bleeds, point of physical separations, or other energy isolation devices to prevent the unexpected release of energy.
Lockout Device
Any device that uses positive means, such as a lock, either key or combination type, to hold an energy-isolating device in a safe position, thereby preventing the energizing of machinery or equipment.
Normal Production Operations
The use of a machine or equipment to perform its intended purpose or function. This includes minor servicing and adjustments that are routine and repetitive. There are not guards removed or safety devices bypassed, and the individual is not exposed to a hazard from moving components during these activities.
Requirements for Lockout/Tagout Devices
When attached to an energy-isolating device, the lockout and tagout devices are tools that when used in accordance with the requirements of this procedure to help protect employees from hazardous energy. The lockout device provides protection by holding the energy-isolating device in a safe position, thus preventing the machine or equipment from becoming energized. The tagout device does so by identifying the energy-isolating device as a source of potential danger, it indicates that the energy-isolating device and the equipment being controlled may not be operated until the tagout device is removed. When these devices are used, they must be identified, and be the only devices used for controlling hazardous energy.
Substantial
Lockout and tagout devices must be substantial enough to minimize early or accidental removal. Locks must be substantial to prevent removal.
Tagout
is a procedure used to secure a piece of equipment by securely placing a prominent warning on an energy source to create awareness that the equipment is being controlled and may not be operated until the warning tag is properly removed. This procedure is used to control valves, blinds, electrical isolation points, double block and bleeds, point of physical separations, or other energy isolation devices to prevent the unexpected release of energy.
Tagout Device
A device which is attached to the energy isolation device, which identifies that the equipment is out of service. The tag is removed in accordance with the energy control procedure. Tags shall be secured by fastening with nylon tie wraps or an equivalent method in a manner that requires a purposeful act to remove the tag. All energy isolation points, including those that are locked or blinded, must be tagged.