OSHA Guide to Lockout and Tagout Procedures

This course outlines OSHA’s general requirements for managing hazardous energy during the servicing or maintenance of machines or equipment. It does not aim to substitute or supplement OSHA standards related to hazardous energy control. Upon completing this booklet, employers and other interested parties are strongly encouraged to thoroughly review OSHA standards on hazardous energy control to gain a comprehensive understanding of the requirements. These standards, along with other pertinent resources, are highlighted throughout this course.

The term "Lockout/Tagout" pertains to specific practices and procedures designed to protect employees from unforeseen energization or startup of machinery and equipment, as well as the release of hazardous energy during service or maintenance activities. This involves, in part, having a designated individual turn off and disconnect machinery or equipment from its energy source(s) before conducting service or maintenance. Additionally, authorized employee(s) must either lock or tag the energy-isolating device(s) to prevent the release of hazardous energy and take steps to verify the effective isolation of energy. If there is potential for the release of hazardous stored energy or the reaccumulation of stored energy to a hazardous level, employers must ensure that employees take precautions to prevent injuries resulting from the release of stored energy.

Topics:

• What is "Lockout/Tagout"
• Concerns regarding Lockout and Tagout Procedures
• Applicability of OSHA Standards
• What must an Energy-control Procedure Include
• Requirements of the OSHA Standard
• Use of Lockout vs Tagout Devices
• When Devices cannot be Locked-out
• Limitations of Tagout Devices
• Training and Personnel Requirements

Publication Source: US OSHA