Is Lockout/tagout Required By OSHA?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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The OSHA standard for The Control of Hazardous Energy (Lockout/Tagout), Title 29 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 1910.147, addresses the practices and procedures necessary to disable machinery or equipment , thereby preventing the release of hazardous energy while employees perform servicing and maintenance ...

When should lockout/tagout be used?

The term “lockout tagout” refers specifically to procedures used to ensure that equipment is shut down and inoperable until maintenance or repair work is completed . They are used to keep employees safe from equipment or machinery that could injure or kill them if not managed correctly.

Is lockout/tagout important?

A lockout/tag out program will help prevent: Contact with a hazard while performing tasks that require the removal, by-passing, or deactivation of safe guarding devices. The unintended release of hazardous energy (stored energy). The unintended start-up or motion of machinery, equipment, or processes.

How often does OSHA require lockout/tagout training?

Read Weeklysafety.com’s full disclaimer. If your company or organization has LOTO procedures in place, or if any LOTO is ever used, then OSHA requires inspections on your procedure at least once every 12 months .

What is the OSHA standard for lockout tagout?

The OSHA standard for The Control of Hazardous Energy (Lockout/Tagout) ( 29 CFR 1910.147 ) for general industry outlines measures for controlling different types of hazardous energy. The LOTO standard establishes the employer’s responsibility to protect workers from hazardous energy.

Who can remove lockout tagout?

Lockout or tagout device removal: Each lockout or tagout device must be removed from the energy-isolating device by the employee who applied the device [29 CFR 1910.147(e)(3)].

What is the purpose of a lockout?

The purpose of a “Lockout/Tagout” procedure is to protect employees from machines and equipment capable of causing injury due to unexpected energization , release of stored energy or the start-up of equipment while an employee is performing maintenance or servicing equipment.

What are the steps of lockout tagout?

  • Find the procedure to be used. ...
  • Notify anyone affected by the lockout tagout. ...
  • Locate all listed energy sources. ...
  • Shut down the machine or equipment. ...
  • Lockout and tag all energy isolating devices. ...
  • Release any stored energy (steam, hydraulic, etc.).

What is the final step in lockout tagout?

Step 6: Isolation Verification – Lockout/Tagout

This last step of the Lockout/Tagout safety is all about making sure. Yes, you’ve shut down or turned off the machines, isolated them from their root of the power, locked them out, and inspected for hazardous stored energy.

What are the exceptions to the lockout/tagout requirements?

Note: Exception: The employer need not document the required procedure for a particular machine or equipment, when all of the following elements exist: (1) The machine or equipment has no potential for stored or residual energy or reaccumulation of stored energy after shut down which could endanger employees; (2) the ...

What is a lockout/tagout kit?

Lockout tagout (LOTO) kits will give you the tools you need to comply with OSHA’s LOTO requirements. This section includes lockout kits for: Cable lockout, electrical equipment, identification and valve and hose lockout . Just about any lockout device you could need will be included in these kits.

What is the purpose of a lockout/tagout checklist?

A lock-out tag-out procedure checklist is a tool used by safety officers and managers to ensure that steps are taken to isolate energy sources when servicing industrial equipment or heavy machinery .

Does OSHA require annual Loto training?

A. Although the standard does not prescribe annual refresher training or a set frequency for retraining, it does require training under specific circumstances and specifies those issues that the training must cover.

What lockout/tagout training is required for authorized employees?

Paragraph 1910.147(c)(7)(i)(A) of the Lockout/Tagout standard requires that “[e]ach authorized employee shall receive training in the recognition of all potentially hazardous energy sources, the type and magnitude of energy in the workplace, and the methods and means necessary for energy isolation and control .” The ...

Who is an authorized employee in a lockout/tagout program?

Authorized employee. A person who locks out or tags out machines or equipment in order to perform servicing or maintenance on that machine or equipment. An affected employee becomes an authorized employee when that employee’s duties include performing servicing or maintenance covered under this section.

When release from lockout/tagout an authorized employee must?

The machine or equipment must be cleared of tools and materials. Workers must be removed from the machine or equipment area. All lockout or tagout devices may then be removed. Authorized workers may then proceed to energize and test or position the equipment or machinery.

Rachel Ostrander
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Rachel Ostrander
Rachel is a career coach and HR consultant with over 5 years of experience working with job seekers and employers. She holds a degree in human resources management and has worked with leading companies such as Google and Amazon. Rachel is passionate about helping people find fulfilling careers and providing practical advice for navigating the job market.