Lockout/Tagout

Every workplace has the need for ongoing maintenance. Installation, repair and servicing of machines and equipment may seem routine but can be dangerous to the employees performing the work.

Serious injury can be caused by the sudden and unexpected startup of the machinery or equipment, contact with live electrical circuits or the unexpected release of stored energy. Equipment that has been shut down may inadvertently be restarted or re-energized by a co-worker, or equipment that was thought to be shut down may be controlled by automatic processors, timers or computers and may restart automatically and without warning.

The outcomes of your lockout/tagout program will be as follows:

• To understand the energy hazards of equipment that is not locked and tagged
  
• To know how to use lockout/tagout procedures to safely install and/or service equipment and machinery
  

By planning ahead - knowing the energy sources and how to control them with lockout/tagout procedures - you can make equipment installation and maintenance a safe part of the workday.