Lockout procedures

1. Prepare for the shutdown.
An important part of preparedness is being appropriately trained and aware of the hazardous energy sources involved and how to control them.
 
2. Notify affected employees.
Ensure that workers in the affected area are fully aware of the impending lockout.
 
3. Shut down the equipment.
This should be done in a safe and orderly manner, in accordance with the equipment-specific procedure or operating manual.
 
4. Isolate energy sources.
For example, a circuit breaker or valve that supplies energy to the equipment.
 
5. Apply LOTO devices to energy sources.
This is a device, such as a padlock, that physically prevents the equipment from being energized. Each person involved in the lockout (OSHA defines them as authorized employees) will have their own lockout device, and it will feature a tag displaying who locked it out, when and why. Multiple lockout devices on one piece of equipment are common.
 
6. Release/control all stored energy.
For example: compressed air, capacitors that hold an electrical charge or stored mechanical energy like compressed springs.
 
7. Verify the lockout.
This is the most important step, and the one most easily overlooked. It is absolutely critical that personnel double-check that all hazardous energy has been isolated.
 
8. Maintain the lockout.
Be certain that the equipment remains in a lockout state until service can be safely restored.

Just as important as following these steps is ensuring that appropriate LOTO release protocols are followed and that service is restored after the work has been completed. This means making sure that workers and materials have been cleared from dangerous areas, that all lockout devices are removed and equipment tested and that the appropriate personnel have been informed that the LOTO is removed. None of the equipment should be re-energized until these actions are taken, at which point workers can be notified that equipment is ready for use.

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