Lockout/ Tagout for Electrical Equipment

 

You may, from time to time, be called on to perform maintenance or service machines or elec­trical equipment. You could also, through no fault of your own, cause an unexpected activa­tion, reenergization, or release of stored energy.

Failure to adequately control energy accounts for many serious accidents at construction sites. Lockout/tagout procedures help safeguard you and fellow employees from the unex­pected start-up of machinery or equipment or release of hazardous energy while performing servicing or maintenance tasks.

What is lockout/tagout?

Lockout is the process of turning off and locking out the flow of energy from a power source to a piece of equipment or a circuit, and keeping it locked out. Lockout is accomplished by installing a lockout device at the power source.

Tagout is placing a tag on the power source. The tag acts as a warning not to restore energy-it is not a physical restraint. Tags must clearly state: Do Not Start.

What must be locked or tagged out

You should never work on:

·               Electrical circuits unless an effective lockout/tagout program is implemented.

·               Energized electrical circuits which are not positively deenergized or tagged out.

The construction rules actually mention electrical lockout/tagout briefly and in only one place. However, this one place gives you some good rules to apply to lockout/tagout proce­dures for electrical equipment. They are:

1.            Tag all controls that are to be deactivated during the course of work on energized or deenergized equipment or circuits.

2.            Render equipment or circuits that are deenergized inoperative and attach tags at all points where such equipment or circuits can be energized.

3.            Place tags to plainly identify the equipment or circuits being worked on.

Although the above rules use tagout procedures, OSHA says that lockout is more effective for deenergizing equipment. It should always be the preferred method.

In order to properly lockout and tag equipment your company must have an effective pro­gram/procedure. A written program is a positive step to protect you against accidental or inadvertent equipment operation. Be aware of any company policies and procedures regarding lockout or tagout of electrical equipment.