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9.3: Lockout Tagout

  • Page ID
    19745
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    Lockout Tagout

    General

    When employees are exposed to contact with parts of fixed electric equipment or circuits which have been de-energized, the circuits shall be locked or tagged.

    Tagging

    Controls that are to be deactivated during the course of work on energized equipment or circuits shall be tagged.

    Disconnecting circuits

    The circuits and equipment to be worked on shall be disconnected from all electric energy sources. Control circuit devices, such as pushbuttons selector switches, and interlocks may not be used as the sole means for de-energizing circuits or equipment.

    Stored energy

    Stored electrical energy which might endanger personnel shall be released. Capacitors shall be discharged and high-capacitance elements shall be short-circuited and grounded if the energy might endanger personnel.

    Rendered inoperative

    Circuits shall be rendered inoperative and a tag placed at each point where the equipment or circuit could be energized. The best way to accomplish this is to use a lock and tag on each disconnecting means used to de-energize the equipment and circuits to be worked on. The lock shall prevent the operation of the disconnecting means unless undue force or tools are used. The tags shall contain a statement prohibiting operation of the disconnecting means and removal of the tag.

    Tags only

    Tags can only be applied if the equipment is not capable of being locked out or if the employer can demonstrate that the tagging procedure will be at least as effective as the use of a lock. When tags are used without locks, at least one additional safety measure, such as opening an extra disconnecting switch, must be taken to assure a level of safety, which is equivalent to that of the locks.

    Operating equipment

    Prior to beginning work on circuits or equipment that have been tagged or locked out; a qualified person shall operate the equipment operating controls to verify that the equipment is definitely de-energized. In addition a qualified person shall use test equipment to test the circuit elements and electrical parts to which the employees will be exposed to verify that the equipment is definitely de-energized.

    Re-energizing equipment

    When equipment that has been locked or tagged out is ready to be reenergized, a qualified person shall conduct tests and visual inspections to verify that all tools, equipment, electrical jumpers or grounds have been removed and the equipment or circuits can be safely re-energized.

    Removal of a lock or tag

    Tag or lock removal shall only be done by the employee who applied it. If that employee is absent from the workplace, the tag or lock can be removed only after the employer ensures that the employee who applied the tag or lock is not at the jobsite. The employee is aware that the lock or tag has been removed before he or she resumes work, and there is a visual determination that all employees are clear of the circuits and equipment.


    9.3: Lockout Tagout is shared under a not declared license and was authored, remixed, and/or curated by LibreTexts.

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