The Importance of Lockout and Tagout in Industrial Safety
When it comes to workplace safety, industrial lockout products are an essential tool for preventing accidents. If you're a business owner, you know the importance of keeping your workers safe. And if you're in the mining or construction industries, lockout devices are an essential piece of safety equipment. While there have been some recent tragic accidents in these industries, using lockout devices can help prevent them from happening.
Maintaining a safe workplace is critical for the health and safety of your employees as well as the success of the business, and there are various reasons why you should do so.
In this blog article, we'll go over what a lockout and tagout are, and why it's vital for workplace safety. Explore the various types of lockout and tagout devices available on the market, as well as the reasons why you should always use one when working on or near electrical equipment.
Finally, some pointers on choosing the best lockout equipment for you or your company.
The difference between a safety Lockout and a Tagout
A lockout is a term used in industrial production facilities to describe when power switches, valves, levers, and other devices are disabled. A lock on the device is used to cover it up while the switch or valve is being locked and then secured with a padlock. This prevents machinery or equipment from getting activated until the lock can be opened with a key or unlocking mechanism.
Lockouts can be implemented in a variety of ways, but all involve stopping the production process so that employees cannot enter the area or use the machinery. When used properly, lockout devices can help keep industrial production facilities safe.
An energy switch that has been tagged as "not safe to operate" is typically marked with a tagout device. Tagout devices are usually attached to energy-isolating equipment by an authorised employee in order to warn staff not to reenergize the unit while he or she fixes or maintains it. Tagout devices are less protective than lockout devices, and thus may be easier for employees to remove.
When working with heavy equipment that could cause major damage or in other situations where it is hazardous for employees, safety lockout and tagout are essential. Many people are killed or seriously injured every year while performing maintenance or servicing on large machinery. This can be prevented if the regulations for safety lockout and tagout procedures are followed.
Importance in the Workplace
A "Lockout/Tagout" procedure is used to protect employees from machinery and equipment that might cause harm. This is done by locking out the equipment, and tagging it so that only authorised personnel can access it.
If there is a potential for the release of hazardous stored energy, the employer must make sure that the workers are aware of the danger and take appropriate action to prevent injury. Lockout mechanisms help protect employees by keeping machines or equipment from being activated if they are close to a power source.
Procedure before performing service or maintenance work
The following must be completed before servicing or maintenance may begin.
Steps must be completed in the correct order and in accordance with the instructions.
Special energy-control rules of the employer's procedure:
(1) Get ready for the closure;
(2) Turn off the machine.
(3) Isolate or disconnect the unit from the power source(s).
(4) To the energy-isolating device(s), apply the lockout or tagout device(s).
(5) All potentially harmful stored or leftover energy must be released, restrained, or otherwise rendered safe. If hazardous energy can reaccumulate, check for it on a regular basis during service and maintenance to make sure it hasn't reached dangerous levels; and
(6) Check the machine's isolation and de-energization.
Types of Lockout Devices Available on Market
Battery Isolator Assembly
An isolator is an electrical device that separates direct current into numerous branches, each of which permits current to flow in only one direction. The ability to charge many batteries concurrently from a single power source (e.g., an alternator) without connecting the battery terminals in parallel is the principal benefit of such a system. The padlock affixed to the front face of the bracket allows the switch to be locked in the "OFF" position.
Tamper Proof Hasp
A tamper-proof hasp for use with a standard padlock that has a U-shaped connected shackle that pivots around a shackle pivot leg when freed. The apparatus contains first and second hasps with respective first and second hasp plates, each with a slot on one end for receiving the pivot leg of the shackle laterally therein and bores on the opposite end for receiving the closure leg of such shackle.
Scissor Hasp
Use in the workplace to secure dangerous machinery. Employees who follow the lockout-tagout method can safeguard dangerous machinery by locking numerous padlocks onto the scissor hasp. This prevents anyone from turning on the machine while the personnel is inside.
When a large number of persons need access to the safety zone, or when equipment has to be closed off suddenly or for an extended length of time, the scissor hasp comes in handy. Only once all personnel have exited the dangerous area and unlocked and removed their padlocks from the hasp can the machine be restarted.
Locking Bracket
The switch may be shut out with this lockout, which protects workers and prevents illegal vehicle start-up. With the padlock secured to the front face of the bracket, the switch may be locked in the "OFF" position.
Isolation Cabinets
The mechanical mechanisms of the lockout are used to securely lock an individual key to ensure the protection of the energy isolation device in a position that prevents the machine, its equipment, or the entire process from being energised. These are wall-mounted, with the board secured in a permanent position around the energy sources so that the device is not obstructed while being used. While performing activities like removal, by-passing, deactivation, or safeguarding devices, these devices may come into touch with an obstruction.
Training for Proper Use is Necessary
Before beginning service and maintenance operations, the employer must provide basic training and, as needed, retraining. The employer must also verify that all employees covered by the requirement have received the training.
When any of the following changes, employers must provide retraining for all authorised and involved employees:
Job responsibilities,
Machines or procedures that introduce a new risk, or
Procedures for energy management.
Whenever an employer has cause to believe that an employee's understanding or application of the energy-control technique is lacking, retraining may be required.
Choosing the Right and Excellent Lockout and Tagout Devices
Choosing lockout devices might be a difficult task. You want to be sure that:
All potential energy threats in your workplace have been taken into consideration.
Workers are safeguarded with high-quality, dependable equipment.
Workers feel at ease with the instruments that have been provided to them.
This advice will assist you in coming to a decision. We'll go over:
Identifying sources of energy
Lockout regulations in general
Different types of energy
There are a variety of energy sources that can be hazardous at your workplace. Make a list of all possible sources and take the necessary precautions to ensure safety.
Hydraulic and Pneumatic. Pressurised liquid and air, respectively, store hydraulic and pneumatic energy. Even after the appropriate valves have been locked out, residual energy may still be present in a machine, so be sure all energy has been thoroughly drained throughout the lockout procedure.
Mechanical. Mechanical energy is defined as the energy stored in items that are under stress, such as springs or coils.
Electricity. The most frequent energy source is electricity. Many devices and vehicles used in the workplace require power to operate. If electrical sources are not adequately shut out, unintended energization of equipment and electrical shock may occur.
Chemical. A chemical reaction produces chemical energy. Extreme heat or explosive reactions can result from chemical energy.
Make a note of how the energy gets turned on, whether it's by valve handles, switches, buttons, or plugs. This information will assist you in selecting the best lockout devices.
Device Requirements from OSHA
The following requirements are outlined in OSHA standard 1910.147:
Lockout devices must be able to survive the harsh circumstances of the workplace.
The colour, shape, and size of devices must all be consistent.
Devices must display the name of the person who put them.
A lockout device must be trustworthy and immediately identifiable. Devices should be tested before being used in a genuine lockout emergency to ensure that they function properly. Standardization and personalization aid in identifying the device's function and clearly establishing the identification of the person authorised to insert or remove it.
Tools for Organizing
Stations for Lockouts:
Lockout devices are typically stored in an organised fashion at stations, making it easier for workers to select the proper equipment for the job. Additionally, stations are more accessible and visible, which encourages people to use them. If a workplace is large, multiple stations may be required.
Kits for Lockouts:
Lockout kits are pouches or toolboxes that hold a variety of gadgets, locks, and tags. If personnel must operate on various project sites or lockout multiple types of equipment, having a kit nearby ensures they have the appropriate lockout equipment on hand.
Lockout Boxes for Groups:
A group lockout box is a tool used to secure a group. The box contains keys to devices that can be locked and disconnected from the master key. Workers then add their personal locks to the box, which limits access to the lockouts only when each employee has taken his or her lock off of it.
Conclusion
A critical safety requirement is a lockout/tagout compliance. During repairs and maintenance, preventing the start-up of energy by mistake guarantees worker safety and helps to establish a productive workplace.
There are many types of lockout devices, and it can be difficult to decide which one is best for a particular machine or piece of equipment. Two factors will aid you: demand (knowing exactly what you need) and efficiency (to help keep your devices in order, you can use standardised tools and devices).
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