What is Lockout/Tagout?

During equipment maintenance, workers can be killed or seriously injured if the equipment they are working on starts up unexpectedly. Locking and tagging out equipment ensures that it cannot suddenly release energy and harm a worker.

ALWAYS REMEMBER: YOUR LOCK IS YOUR LIFE.

Definitions:

• Energy isolating device: A device that physically prevents accidental transmission or release of any kind of energies.
• Lock: A device that uses a positive means (e.g. a lock) to hold an energy-isolating device in the safe position, preventing the energizing of equipment.
• Tag: A prominent warning device (i.e. a tag), securely fastened to an energy-isolating device, indicating that the equipment may not be operated.
• Hazardous energy: Any type of energy that could be released and harm a person. This could include mechanical, hydraulic, and electrical energies.

Lockout/Tagout Process: Before starting work on equipment, energy-isolating devices (EIDs) are locked  and tagged out personally by every person working on the equipment. Every maintenance worker works only under the protection of their OWN lock. Any stored energy in the machine is then dissipated and energy isolation is verified. Only then does servicing/maintenance work begin.

Lockout/Tagout prevents:

• The unexpected release of energies stored in the equipment.
• Other workers accidentally reenergizing equipment.

Lockout/tagout protects not only the workers servicing the equipment, but also the equipment and those working around the equipment.