Safety Talks – Lock Out / Tag Out
Lock Out / Tag Out Saves Lives

29 CFR 1910.147 details the requirements needed to control hazardous energy while servicing or performing maintenance on machinery or other equipment.

Types of Hazardous Energy:

  • Electrical
  • Hydraulic
  • Mechanical
  • Pneumatic
  • Gravitational
  • Chemical
  • Thermal

When are Lockout-Tagout Procedures Required:  

  • Servicing/performing maintenance on energized equipment  Any form of work on equipment when safety guards or measures are bypassed  
  • Any form of work which requires the individual to place any part of their body in the point of operation or designated danger zone

When Are Lockout-Tagout Procedures Not Required:  

  • Minor tool changes or adjustments (i.e. blade and bit changes, table saw adjustments)  
  • Cord and plug controlled devices (i.e. portable power tools)  
  • Routine, repetitive changes or adjustments that are integral to the use of the equipment; provided the work is performed using alternative measures that provide effective protection

Lockout-Tagout Definitions:  

  • Affected Employee: An employee whose job requires them to operate or use a piece of equipment that is affected by the Lockout-Tagout or is working in the area where the maintenance/service is being performed  
  • Authorized Employee: A trained employee who locks out or tags out equipment to perform maintenance/service.  
  • Supervisor: The manager/supervisor of the Authorized Employee  
  • Lockout: The placement of a lockout device on an energy isolating device that ensures the equipment controlled by that energy isolating device cannot be operated until the lock is removed.  
  • Tagout: The placement of a tag on an energy isolating device notifying individuals of the work being performed. Harvard University policy never allows just a tag to be affixed to the energy isolating device, a lock and tag must be used anytime equipment needs to be de-energized and serviced

Stored or Residual Energy:  

  • Examples of stored or residual energy: Capacitors, springs, elevated components, rotating flywheels, hydraulic systems, and air, gas, steam water pressure etc.  
  • Methods of Dissipating or Restraining: Grounding, repositioning, bleeding, blocking etc.