Lockout Tagout Procedures - Facilities Management Policy - 10050

To protect personnel and ensure that machines and equipment are isolated from potentially hazardous energy, whether it is steam, electrical, mechanical, hydraulic, or gas. Lockout or tag out must occur before employees perform service, maintenance, or renovation. This is important where an unexpected start-up could cause personal injury, fire, or equipment damage.

2.1. Employees must not attempt to operate any switch, valve, or source of energy, which is locked out or tagged out.

2.2. All equipment shall be locked out where possible. Where such control is not possible, equipment may be tagged “out-of-service.” In all instances, equipment shall be made inoperable to protect against possible operation where such operation may cause personal injury or damage.

3.1 When working on systems, which could accidentally be activated, the system shall be locked out or tagged out by use of a safety lockout device and padlock. In addition, a tag shall be used to identify the purpose of the shutdown, the employee involved, the date the unit was removed from service, and when the system may operate again.

3.2 The locking device, padlock, and tag will be located in the lockout/tag out kit in the Buildings and Grounds work area.

3.3 If more than one source of energy is present, all such sources must be locked out or tagged out. Special procedures must be followed to ensure that the equipment is disconnected from an energy management system or emergency generator system that may start or energize the equipment.

3.4 A lockout is required on all systems where possible. A tag out is an unacceptable means of protection on systems, which are less hazardous.

3.5 If more than one person is involved in the repair, each person shall install a lock and tag to the equipment energy source. An employee many not use the tag or lock of another employee.

3.6 When working with hydraulic, steam, or air systems, bleed down the cylinders, block valves with a chain and lock and attach a “DANGER” tag or sign to the control.

3.7 After servicing, renovation, or maintenance is complete, the area must be checked for tools, parts, removed guards, and assurance that no personnel are in the danger zone. Then the lockout or tag out will be removed by the same employee who initially locked it out so energy may be restored to the equipment.

3.8 If the employee who locked out or tagged out the equipment is unavailable, the supervisor may remove the lock or tag if the following conditions are met:

• Verification that the employee who applied the device has left for the duration of the shift and is not at the job site
• The supervisor makes a reasonable effort to reach the employee.
• The supervisor informs the employee that the lock or tag has been removed and the system is no longer de-energized before the employee resumes work.

3.9 Employees using lockout/tag out devices shall have training about this program and shall have annual retraining to ensure that the employee understands and follows this program. The training and retraining shall be documented with the training records maintained by the training coordinator.

3.10 Outside contractors are required to follow this policy or provide a similar policy that is in compliance with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Standard 1910.147. Under no circumstances are outside contractors authorized to remove a College lockout/tag out device nor are they allowed to energize a locked out/tagged out system.

3.11 The lockout/tag out program is designed to train employees on disabling powered equipment from their power sources before beginning any serving or maintenance work. Lockout/tag out training is required for all employees who may possibly need to lockout and tag out equipment.

3.12 Lockout / Tag Out Procedures Checklist

The following steps much are followed in sequence to property lockout/tag out and reestablish energy:

3.12.1 Shutdown Procedures

• Know what type of energy the machine uses. Identify its potential hazards. Find the switches, valves, or other devices that control energy and need to be locked out.
• Let employees know that you will be locking or tagging out the equipment and why.
• Turn off the machine or equipment.

3.12.2 Electrical

• Locate the main switch box or circuit breaker.
• Open the breaker, open the switch, or remove the plug.
• Attach a lockout-enabling device if the circuit cannot otherwise accommodate a padlock.
• Place plug in a plug lock box.

3.12.3 Valve Shutoff

• Locate and close the shut-off valve.
• Apply the appropriate ball valve, gate valve, donut, handle, or chain energy isolation device.

3.12.4 Mechanical / Storage Potential Energy

• Lockout enabling device.
• Secure the energy-controlling lockout by attaching a personal lock and completed tag to the lockout-enabling device. If more than one person will be performing the work, each must apply his own lock to a multiple lock device.
• Release all stored energy.
• If there is a heat exposure, allow to cool.
• Release any pressure trapped between the shut-off valve and equipment.

3.12.5 Release from Lockout / Tag Out

• Inspect the surrounding area following completion of work loose tools, parts, correct valve settings, system integrity, and exposed conductors. Check that all machine guards are in place and reconnected if applicable.
• Notify others in the area that the equipment is about to be made operational and returned to service.
• Remove personal lock, tag, and lockout enabling device. The same person who applied the tag and lock must perform this step.

4.1 Lockout/tag out: The energy control safety procedure an employee utilizes when performing the duties of his or her job when constructing, installing, setting up, adjusting, inspecting, modifying, maintaining and/or servicing machines or equipment in which the unexpected start-up or the release of stored energy could cause injury to employees. The equipment must be de-energized and locks or tags must be applied to the energy-isolation devices.

4.2 Electrical: Shock or burn could result from contact with the exposed conductors’ line voltage or high voltage equipment. Flying parts or fire could result if this circuit were shorted. Electricity should be controlled at the circuit breaker, main switch, or fuse box.

4.3 Pneumatic: High-velocity air impingement can inflict injury to the eyes, ears and to openings or cuts to the skin. Airflow can cause small objects to become airborne missiles. Compressed air should be controlled at the shutoff valve, cylinder control valve, or airline valve.

4.4 Chemical: A gas or liquid can produce illness or injury through its toxicity, flammability, corrosively or reactivity. It can be controlled from accidental release by turning the cylinder valve or gas line control valve.

4.5 Mechanical: Equipment or machinery can inflict tissue or skeletal injury through crushing, laceration, or implement. This can be controlled through the main electrical switch, plug, circuit breaker or anti-motion pin.

4.6 Thermal: Can cause burns or fires. It can be controlled by the main electrical switch, electrical plug control, electrical circuit breaker, electrical fuse box, steam valve, fluid line valve or shielding. Exposure to ultraviolet rays can result in burn injuries to the skin and eyes. It can be controlled by the main electrical switch or electrical circuit breaker or by using an appropriate shield.

Lockout/Tag Out Procedures of Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville, dated March 27, 2002

Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), Standard 1910.147

Facilities Manager

President’s Council: July 3, 2002; August 18, 2014