Reenergizing Equipment

 

 

Overview

If you operate or use machinery or equipment to which lockout/tagout is applied or work is an area where lockout/tagout is performed, you need to understand:

·         the procedures involved in lockout/tagout.

·         the reasons for lockout/tagout.

·         the dangers involved when interfering with lockout/tagout.

What is involved in the procedure? The procedure contains steps for shutting down, isolating, blocking, and securing machines or equipment to control hazardous energy. The procedure also includes steps for putting the equipment back into service. The reenergizing procedure When putting equipment back into service, it is important that proper reenergizing procedures occur, to ensure the health and safety of all workers. These include: ·         Only the person who applies a lock or tag may remove it and reenergize the equipment. ·         All tools are to be removed and safety guards replaced before the equipment is reener­gized. ·         All employees must be safely positioned or removed from the area before lockout/tagout devices are removed and the machine is reenergized.

·         Affected employees must be notified by the employer or authorized employee of the appli­cation and removal of lockout and tagout devices.

·         Notification must be given after the controls are removed and before the machine or equipment is started.