#EnergyIsolatingDevice

[oshalockouttagoutguide]

OSHA Lockout Tagout: Full Employee Protection

OSHAs Lockout Tagout Standard does not prescribe the specifics of the energy control measures to be employed. Although, the standard lays down general procedures to be achieved, giving the employers flexibility in choosing the control procedures to be implemented, it focuses on achieving full employee protection.

Full Employee Protection:

As per OSHA Standard 1910.147(c)(3) - A lockout device should always be used when the machine’s energy isolating devices are capable of being locked out. But, there might be situations when, an isolating device is not capable of being locked out, a Tagout device is used alone in place of a Lockout device {1910.147(c)(3)(i)}.

In such a situation, it must provide a level of safety equivalent to that obtained by using a Lockout device, and the Tagout device must be attached at the same location, where the Lockout device would have been attached.

The employer must demonstrate full compliance with all Tagout related provisions of this standard. Additional protective measures, such as the removal of an isolating circuit element, blocking of a controlling switch, opening of an extra disconnecting device, or the removal of a valve handle to reduce the probability of inadvertent energization are needed to demonstrate that full employee protection has been achieved. Along with this, if an energy isolation device is not capable of being locked out, it must be redesigned or modified to accept the lock whenever major replacement, repair, renovation or modification of the machine is performed. The main motive is to achieve Full Employee Protection always. 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(b): Tagout and Tagout Device

A Tagout Device is a prominent Warning Device, such as a Tag and a tie i.e. any means of attachment, that clearly states that the machinery being controlled must not be operated until the tag is removed in accordance with an established procedure.

Tagout Device indicates employee photo, maintenance details, reason of isolation, numbering, specific instructions or warnings useful to avoid accidental energization of equipment under repair. These devices should be sturdy & substantial enough to withstand harsh conditions at the workplace.

The Tagout devices also indicate that the Energy Isolating Device and the equipment being controlled may not be operated until the tagout device is removed.

The procedure of placing a Tagout device on an energy isolating device in accordance to the established procedure is called Tagout.

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

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OSHA Standard 1910.147(b) Definition - Energy Isolating Devices

Energy Isolating Devices are the primary tool for providing protection under the standard. They are mechanisms that prevent the transmission or release of energy and to which locks and tags are applied. Isolating a machine or piece of equipment from an energy source means using energy isolating device to interrupt the flow of energy from the means of transmission of the energy to the machine.

They include:

-          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

-          A line valve

-          A block or any similar device

But Push buttons, selector switches and other control circuit type devices are not considered as Energy Isolating Devices.

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