Lockout/Tagout Safety

The control of hazardous energy and something about lockout/tagout has consistently ranked in the top 10 of OSHA’s yearly most cited violations. It is important when service or maintenance is being performed on equipment that it is safely de-energized and re-energized. If a machine is mistakenly powered up during maintenance it can very serious, even deadly, consequences. The safety procedure includes a physical lock placed on a machine that ensure it cannot be turned on during maintenance. Current regulations regarding lockout/tagout procedures are based on OSHA’s Control of Hazardous Energy standard (29 CFR 1910.147). OSHA standards have three requirements: written procedures, training, and evaluation. There are many types of power that can be dangerous for workers like electricity, gas, and hydraulic accumulation to name a few. These are energies that can be controlled with an effective lockout/tagout program.

This infographic runs through the steps to take in order to meet compliancy with OSHA standards and why implementing a LOTO program is critical to safety.