What is lockout/tagout and when is it needed?
A procedure to isolate all energy, lock it and verify zero energy before anyone services or clears a machine.
Lockout/tagout is a procedure for isolating a machine from all energy sources and locking it so it cannot start while someone is working on it. A tag on the lock identifies who applied it and why.
When it’s needed
Generally whenever a person must enter a danger zone for servicing, repair, cleaning, clearing jams or changeovers where normal guarding doesn’t protect them.
The usual steps
- Prepare: identify every energy source
- Notify people affected
- Shut down the machine normally
- Isolate each energy source at its isolator
- Apply personal locks and tags
- Release or block stored energy
- Verify: try to start it and test for zero energy
- Do the work
- Restore: clear the area, remove locks, restart with notice
Energy people forget
Electricity is obvious. Compressed air, hydraulics, steam, springs, raised loads and residual heat are easier to miss. A machine that is switched off can still move.
One person, one lock
Each worker places their own lock and keeps the key. Nobody removes another person’s lock under normal circumstances.
General information, not compliance advice. See machine safety controls.