Essential Components of A Lock Out and Tag Out Procedures Template
A well-prepared lock out and tag out procedures template helps to prevent the following; occurrence of a dangerous accident during execution of activities that require deactivation, removal or by-passing of safety devices, the inadvertent release of stored energy, or accidental start up of machinery, processes or equipment.
How to create lock out tag out procedures template
- Preparation for shutdown
The template should clearly explain why and how an authorized individual will establish the available energy sources, why they must be controlled, and the control methods that will be applied.
It should provide practices and control mechanisms required to lock out and tag out the system before performance of any activity. - Notification of all affected employees
The guide should clarify how an authorized individual will notify all affected employees on the procedures, equipment or processes that need to be locked and tagged out, why that needs to be done, how long the process will take, person(s) responsible as well as people that should be contacted. - Equipment shutdown
The template should make clear that if the affected system is in operation, it should be shut down using the normal process, and that either the organization’s or manufacturer’s instructions should be applied. - Isolation of procedures, equipment and processes from hazardous energy
The guide should clearly elucidate the following:
a. In case of electrical energy, the controls should be switched off. An authorized employee should confirm if the breaker connection is in off position.
b. In case of pneumatic and hydraulic energy, valves should be set in closed position, and then locked into place.
c. For mechanical potential energy, the energy should be carefully released from compressed springs.
d. For gravitational potential energy, a safety pin or safety block should be used to prevent any movement.
e. In case of chemical energy, the chemical supply lines should be located and then closed. - Dissipation of stored/ residual energy
The lock out and tag out procedures template should outline how stored or residual energy created by various types of energy sources (electrical, pneumatic, mechanical, gravitational and chemical) can be dissipated. - Lock out and tag out
The template should provide guidelines that will prevent inadvertent removal of the lock or involuntary operation of the system.
It should recommend that every lock must have a single key, that the system should have several locks, and that only authorized people should have the ability of removing the locks. - Authenticate isolation
The guide should recommend appropriate verification methods that ascertain the system is correctly locked out before commencement of any work.
The template should recommend measures that must be taken before/ during removal of lock out and tag out devices.
Appropriate measures include;
a. Inspection of work areas to ascertain the removal of all items and tools.
b. Confirmation that all the involved persons and employees have gotten way from dangerous areas.
c. Verification that all controls have been placed in neutral position.
d. Reconnection of the system to its source of energy.
e. Notification to employees that the procedure is complete.
When you create lock out tag out procedures template, ensure that it consists of the eight aforementioned components.
Responsibilities of the management, supervisors and employees
The three aforementioned parties have various responsibilities.
The management is required to;
1. Draft, periodically review and update the lock out tag out procedure template.
2. Provide essential protective equipment, appliances and hardware.
3. Identify the employees, processes, machines and equipment included in the guide.
4. Monitor and measure conformance to the outlined procedures.
The supervisors are expected to;
1. Distribute the protective appliances, equipment and hardware, and ensure that they’re properly used.
2. Strictly ensure that only qualified and experienced employees execute maintenance or services that need lockout.
3. Ensure the establishment of procedures that suit the available machines, processes and equipment.
Employees are required to;
1. Contribute to the development of suitable procedures.
2. Report any problems pertaining to the procedures, processes or equipment.
3. Follow the developed procedures.
If you are looking for the Osha Lockout Tagout Program, then the author of this article recommends SafetyNet Inc. - iLockItOut.
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