1.  Employees who perform service or maintenance on equipment that could cause injury due to the unexpected start-up or release of stored energy must receive training in lockout/tagout procedures and be authorized by the Safety Office.

2.0  LOCKOUT DEVICES

1.  Use lockout devices if the equipment can be locked out. Locks are individually assigned and have a unique number or the name of the employee on the lock. Do not use locks for any other purpose.

2.  Locks must be removed only by the person applying it, except during emergencies.  If an employee is not available to remove a lockout/tagout device notify supervision. Supervision will verify that the employee is not at the facility and make a reasonable effort to contact the employee and notify him/her that the device will be removed.

3.  Locks, hasps, circuit breaker locks, plug locks, wall switch lockouts, and valve covers are supplied by the Safety Office. Employees may be charged for locks that are lost.

3.0  TAGOUT DEVICES

1. Use tagout devices only when it is not possible to lockout the equipment. Tags must be standardized, have reinforced eyelets and not be used for other purposes. They must be secured to energy isolating devices with a nylon cable tie with an unlocking strength of greater than 50 pounds. Place your name, date, and time on the tag. Always apply a lockout tag with the lock.

2. Tagout devices will be supplied by the Safety Office.

4.0  PROCEDURES

1.  Prepare for shutdown. Think, plan and check the equipment. Know the type of energy the machine uses. Identify its potential hazards. Find the switches, valves, or other devices that control energy and need to be locked out.

2.  Notify employees who use the equipment and other employees in the area that you are locking/tagging out the equipment and they are not to turn the equipment on without your permission.

3.  Turn the equipment off by disconnecting the circuit through the normal stopping method.

4.  Locate and isolate all energy sources. Always look for hidden energy sources. Get rid of any stored energy. Block movable parts. Release or block spring energy. Drain or bleed hydraulic and pneumatic lines. Lower suspended parts to rest positions.

5.  Lockout/tagout the disconnect, breaker, or other energy sources in the "off" position. Use a lock/tag designed only for this purpose and use your own lock/tag. Test the disconnect to be sure it can't be moved to the "on" position. Pulling a fuse or flipping a circuit breaker is not a substitute for lockout/tagout.

6.  If a group lockout device is used, make sure everyone involved in the repair work has his/her lock connected to the hasp.

7.  A standardized lockout tag may be used if the equipment cannot be locked out. The tag must be affixed at a point where the lock would have been located.

8.  Verify that the equipment cannot be started. Test the operating controls at the machine. Make sure no one is close enough to get hurt. Put the control button in the on position. Press all start buttons. Make sure the power doesn't go back on. Check circuits with a voltmeter.

9.  Put operating controls back in the "off" position.

10.  Perform necessary service or maintenance. Avoid doing something that will re-energize the equipment.

11.  Remove the lockout/tagout device. Do not let someone else remove your lock/tag. Restore energy safely. Make sure all tools have been removed and all lines reconnected or unblocked, all guards replaced, and other workers are safely out of the way.

12.  Notify affected and other employees that the maintenance or service is completed.