Facilities Lockout and Tagout Procedure
Procedure Number 7-12P
Reference: University Policy: 7-12
Reference: OSHA Lockout/Tagout Requirements
Issue Date: April 27, 2001
The purpose of this procedure is to prevent injuries to employees from the unexpected energizing, start-up, or release of stored energy from machines, equipment, or processes when such
employees are engaged in activities where they are at risk. Only authorized personnel having an intimate knowledge of the work to be performed shall perform this lockout and tagout procedure.
An Authorized person is considered a qualified person to whom the authority and responsibility to perform a specific lockout and/or tagout assignment has been given by the University. An example
of an Authorized person may be a senior mechanic or senior electrician. This person would be considered qualified if they can demonstrate by experience or training the ability to recognize
potentially hazardous energy and its potential impact on workplace conditions, and has the knowledge to implement adequate methods and means for the control and isolation of such energy.
All lockouts and tagouts shall be recorded in a log book maintained in the shop supervisor’s area. The log book shall be used to identify lockouts in sequential order, name and location of
equipment and/or system affected, authorized persons involved, dates, times, and supplies. Approved locks, hasps, and tags shall be used as shown in the figure to follow.
- The first step of any lockout is to have a Qualified person determine what needs to be locked out. The latest drawings, sketches, and/or notes should be analyzed to identify all energy
sources to the equipment. Drawings typically reviewed are electrical single-lines and mechanical piping and instrument diagrams (P&IDs). Particular attention should be given to temporary
feeds, back-feeds and alternate feeds including all sources of control voltage
- After identifying all the energy sources and isolation points, the equipment shall be shutdown and the disconnecting means (breakers, switches, valves, etc) shall be opened or positioned
in the “OFF” position for all of the energy sources using the personal protective equipment (PPE) designated to accomplish this safely.
- Verification that all potential energy sources are eliminated must be made before applying the Lock and Tag. These energy sources may be electrical, mechanical, or both. Mechanics must
follow procedures unique to each equipment or system that are designed to eliminate both of these energy sources.
- Electrical - A visual inspection by a
Qualified electrician must be made to verify the circuit is open. Where possible, disconnect switches
shall be inspected to assure that all blades are in the full open
position. Where visual
verification is not possible, other means of providing a visible break may
be necessary, for example a Qualified electrician will test for the
absence of voltage and remove the fuses or lift the wires. An example may be a foreign disconnect
switch provided by a vendor and no prints or manuals are available.
- Mechanical - Release any residual energy by
opening drains, vents, and bleeds associated with double-block valving
arrangements inside the lockout boundary. Release any chemical energy by draining any remaining material in
pipes and equipment into controlled containers while proper personnel
protective equipment (PPE) is utilized. Latch in place any travel stops necessary to prevent the release of
any potential or stored energy. Engaging travel stops may be required to protect against any sudden
movement of an elevator.
- Try the electrical circuit and/or mechanical system to verify that it is isolated, de-energized, and free from stored energies. Once the verification is made, then the Authorized person
shall install his/her Lock and Tag:
- The Tag must have the person’s name, shop, radio # (if the person is assigned radio) and reason for the tag. The time and date must be on the Tag as well.
- If more than one trade is working on the equipment and/or system, each trade must install an individual lock. It is permissible that one Authorized person responsible for the work
and/or work crew of a given trade, install his/her lock representative of that trade.
- If a change of shift should occur while the equipment and/or system is locked and tagged and work must continue, the next shift Authorized individual shall put their lock on and
former shift shall remove theirs. In the case where work is continued the next day or at some future time, then the equipment and/or system shall remain locked and tagged for the
duration.
NO ONE Shall remove another person's lock. There are no exceptions.
