#LOTOProgram

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OSHA Lockout Tagout Standard: Application of Control 1910.147(d)

The established procedures for the application of energy control (the lockout or tagout procedures) covers the following elements and actions as mentioned above. Preparation of Shutdown: Before an authorized employee turns off the machine, he must have knowledge regarding the types, magnitude, hazards, and the means to control the energy. The first step is intended to notify all the affected employees regarding the Lockout and allow the employees to get ready for the shutdown, and plan ahead to perform safely.

In complex or group Lockout Tagout situations, all involved personnel should be made aware of their respective roles and assignments. Machine or Equipment shutdown: To place the machine in a state that it will let employees work on it safely, it must be turned off or shutdown using established procedures. An orderly shutdown must be used to avoid any increased or additional hazards to employees as result of shut down. Machine isolation: All the isolating devices such as isolators, valves, etc. that are needed to control the energy of the machines, must be physically located and operated so that the machine is isolated from its energy sources. Check OSHA Guidelines - https://www.safetylock.net/learn-lockout-tagout/osha-documentation/

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OSHA Lockout Tagout Standard: Application of Control

Under section (a)(3)(i) of the Lockout Tagout standard 1910.147, the employers are required to establish a program and utilize procedures for affixing appropriate lockout devices or tagout devices to Energy Isolating Devices, and to otherwise disable machines or equipment to prevent unexpected energization, start up or release of stored energy in order to prevent injury to employees.

This section (d) of the Lockout Tagout standard, highlights the elements of the application of control of the established procedures.

The procedure shall cover the following elements and actions and it shall be done in the sequence mentioned below:

• 1910.147(d)(1): Preparation for shutdown.

• 1910.147(d)(2): Machine or equipment shutdown.

• 1910.147(d)(3): Machine or equipment isolation.

• 1910.147(d)(4): Lockout or tagout device application.

• 1910.147(d)(5): Stored energy.

• 1910.147(d)(6): Verification of isolation.

Check OSHA Guidelines - https://www.safetylock.net/learn-lockout-tagout/osha-documentation/

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Lockout Tagout - Energy Isolation and Notification of Employee

Section (c) states that the process of Lockout Tagout shall be performed only by the authorized employees who are servicing. This is so because, an authorised employee is especially trained for the particular isolation, which any other employee might not be able to perform efficiently.

Lockout Tagout requires technical understanding, which cannot be done by any unskilled professional. Therefore, an authorised employee is assigned by the supervisor.

Notification of Affected Employees.

Lack of information regarding the status of equipment could endanger the employees who re-energize, operate or work around the machines. Whenever LOTO control might directly affect another employee’s work activities, paragraph (c) (9) requires the employer or authorized employee to notify the affected employees prior to applying, and after removing the Lockout Tagout device.

Such notification informs affected employees of the impending interruption of the normal production operation and reinforces the importance of the restrictions imposed.

After removing a LOTO device, notifying employees, alerts them that the equipment is capable of being started-up. Else, employees might mistakenly believe that a system is safe to continue working around the machine, leading to heinous accidents.

Check OSHA Guidelines - https://www.safetylock.net/learn-lockout-tagout/osha-29-cfr-1910-147-standard/

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OSHA Lockout Tagout Standard 1910.147(c) - Employee Retraining

While the employer is required to provide effective training for all employees covered by the LOTO standard, under section (c)(7)(iii) Retraining must be provided to all the authorized as well as affected employees depending upon the circumstances mentioned above.

There are three types of employees which must receive Training & Retraining: authorized, affected, and other. The amount and type of training/retraining that each employee receives is based upon the relationship of that employee's job to the machine and upon the degree of knowledge relevant to hazardous energies.

In addition, retraining must be conducted if an inspection reveals a lack of understanding of LOTO procedures by the employees. This is called Additional Retraining.

Whenever a periodic inspection discloses any deviations or inadequacies in the employees' understanding, additional retraining becomes mandatory.

Under section (c)(7)(iv) Employers are required to certify that effective training and retraining has been provided to all employees covered by the standard. The certification must contain each employee's name and dates of training.

Check OSHA Guidelines - https://www.safetylock.net/learn-lockout-tagout/osha-29-cfr-1910-147-standard/