Lockout / Tagout: The Key to Controlling Hazardous Energy

Energy sources on farms come from more than just electricity including hydraulic, chemical, thermal, gravitational, pneumatic, and residual – to name just a few.

All of these sources can result in injury so it’s important to not only consider the energy released when turning a machine on, but the resulting energy for turning it off.

Although farms are exempted from OSHA’s Lockout / Tagout standard for general industry (29 CFR 1910.147), it is important to understand why developing a set of LOTO practices can result in a safer workplace.

Here are some tips to keep your farms safe:

ALWAYS use LOTO when a worker enters a grain bin, maintenance work or unclog an auger
Understand that each piece of equipment may be impacted by various energy sources – develop an equipment specific process to control or interrupt the release of energy
Obtain the proper control devices by purchasing a LOTO kit with specific keys, locking devices and appropriate tags
Make all LOTO materials accessible to workers
Test that the LOTO devices have been installed properly
TRAIN all employees annually on the importance of LOTO procedures and how to properly follow the process

DID YOU KNOW: Lockout / Tagout provides worker protection by following a process to mechanically lock a device to prevent the energization of a machine or piece of equipment and that the most overlooked hazardous energy is GRAVITY?

Steps to follow in order to properly LOTO equipment:

PREPARE
Prepare for shutdown by understanding the equipment hazards and notify all affected employees.
SHUT DOWN
Shut down the equipment properly by following normal shutdown procedures – turn all switches to OFF/neutral.
ISOLATE
Isolate and disconnect ALL primary and secondary energy sources by using energy isolation devices in accordance with established procedures to prevent transmission or release of energy.
APPLY
Apply locks and tags to valves, breakers/electrical disconnects and mechanical blocks. Ensure that you are using locks and tags that can withstand the environment where they will be used.
RELEASE OR BLOCK
Release or block energy including discharging, draining, venting, cooling, blocking and/or relieving all stored energy.
VERIFY
Verify the energy isolation by checking that other workers are clear of the potential hazards, that locking devices are secure, attempting a normal start-up and returning control to OFF/neutral.
PERFORM
Perform the maintenance or service.
RELEASE FROM LOCKOUT
Release from lockout by ensuring that all machinery is properly assembled, and tools are removed, that all employees are outside of the danger zones and are notified that the LOTO devices are being removed. Removal of the LOTO devices must be done by authorized employee who applied it.

Electrical Safety

Whatever your industry, Arbill is committed to helping your company ensure workplace safety. Our full suite of safety training and consulting options, including site assessments and audits, gap analysis, staff augmentation and industrial hygiene services are provided by highly experienced and certified EHS professionals.