Lockout/Tagout

Lockout/tagout procedures are designed to prevent accidental startup of machines/equipment and to prevent the release of stored energy during servicing or maintenance. Use of the general lockout/tagout procedure ensures that equipment is isolated from energy sources and injuries are prevented. Training is required for all personnel prior to utilizing lockout/tagout equipment.

General Lockout/Tagout Procedure

  • Notify appropriate affected employees that maintenance is required on a machine/equipment and that the machine/equipment must be shut down and locked out to perform the maintenance.
  • If the machine/equipment is in operation, shut it down by the normal stopping procedure.
  • De-activate the energy isolating device(s) (such as switches, valves, circuit breakers, etc.) so that the machine or equipment is isolated from the energy source(s).
  • Lock or tag out the energy isolating device(s) with assigned individual lockout/tagout device(s).
  • Dissipate stored/residual energy (such as that in capacitors, springs, elevated machine members, etc.) by methods such as grounding, repositioning, blocking, bleeding down, etc.
  • Ensure that the equipment is disconnected from the energy source(s) by checking that no personnel are exposed. Then verify the isolation of the equipment by operating the push button, or other normal operating control(s), or by testing to make certain the equipment will not operate.
  • The machine/equipment is now locked or tagged out.

Lockout/Tagout (29 CFR 1910.147) was number six on OSHA’s Top 10 Violations for 2020 with over 2,000 violations adding up to $9,633,595 in penalties (OSHA’s Top Ten).

For Lockout/Tagout Training do the following:

For more information about SUU’s Lockout/Tagout program, contact ERM or visit our Written Safety Programs page.