2021 RETA Breeze Nov/Dec

Removal of Lockout Devices by Other Employees: • Lockout devices should only be removed by the person who placed them • If a lockout device must be removed by someone other than the employee who installed it, the following steps should be followed: 1. Verify that the employee who installed the lockout device is not at the facility and cannot be contacted. 2. Notify the Plant Manager or the Senior Manager onsite that the device is being removed by someone other that the person who placed it. 3. Another Authorized Employee qualified to apply lockout devices must ensure that all required lockout devices were applied properly and are still in place. Avoid dangerous, possibly fatal, surprises! 4. Inform affected employees that the lockout devices are being removed. 5. Remove all lockout devices (locks typically must be cut and destroyed). 6. Employee who applied the lockout devices MUST BE INFORMED that the lockout devices are removed prior to them starting their work shift! The person who placed the lockout devices may be unaware that the devices have been removed which could lead to a serious or fatal injury! Every company is required by OSHA to have a Control of Hazardous Energy program that must be followed whenever lockout is performed. Consider clarifying each of these topics in this article in your program. Too many workers are killed or seriously injured every year due to improper use of lockout procedures! It is also one of the consistently most cited citations by OSHA. No work being performed, or the speed in getting the repairs finished, is ever worth not using proper lockout procedures!

6. Remove all lock-out devices and any tags. Ensure equipment operates properly. Return all devices to their designated location. DEVICES USED IN THE CONTROL OF HAZARDOUS ENERGY: The most commonly used devices, either solely or used with other devices, are locks and tags. • Locks and tags must be used together. Locks and tags must be sturdy and not easily removed. • Locks or tags must have the name of the person who applied the lock, as well as the date and time the lock is applied. • For long term energy isolation, the lock and tag may say “Out of Service” or “Do Not Use”. • Lockout locks must be easily identifiable as a lockout lock and not used for any other purpose, such as a toolbox or a locker. • The key for the lock must be in possession of the person who applied the lock at all times. The only exception is when a group lockout is performed with an approved lockout box and all keys locked inside of the box. • When more than one person is performing work on a piece of equipment at the same time, a good option is to use a hasp that can accommodate up to six locks at a time. • Other types of equipment used in the control of hazardous energy are: Chains, Blocks, Blinds, Valve Covers, Plug Covers, Circuit Breaker Covers, Plug Covers INTERLOCKS ARE NEVER TO BE USED AS, OR A SUBSTITUTION FOR, A LOCKOUT DEVICE!

The 6 steps To Be FollowedWhen Safely Performing the Control of Hazardous Energy: 1. Inform all affected employees in the area that a piece of equipment is being locked out. 2. Make sure all controls are shut off and shut down all energy sources to the equipment. 3. Apply all lockout devices including tags on any locks. Be sure to note the date and time on the tag. Ensure your name is on the lock, tag or both. Be sure to release any residual/stored energy and use chains or blocks as needed to secure devices from being acted on by gravity. 4. Attempt to turn on the equipment. This is an important step that is frequently skipped! Be sure to return controls to the off position after this step! 5. After the work is completed, inform all affected employees in the area that the work is complete and all lock-out devices are being removed.

RETA.com 17