Avoiding Electrical Hazards With Lockout Tagout

Lock Out Tag Out & Interlock Safety Program Area

Whenever work is done on equipment that is normally connected to an energy source such as electricity, pressure, and steam, personnel may be exposed to source-related hazards. This Standard documents BNL safety requirements for the control of hazardous energy, and addresses the practices and procedures necessary to disable machinery or equipment to prevent unexpected energization, start-up or release of stored energy, which may result in injury to employees during maintenance, servicing, or construction.

Safety interlocks are appropriate for personnel protection in many situations where there is danger from sources of energy. The use of interlocks for personnel protection rather than sole reliance on administrative controls, depends on the nature and severity of the hazard and on the interactions of personnel with the hazard.

Control of Hazardous Energy (Lockout/Tagout)

"Lockout/Tagout (LOTO)" refers to specific practices and procedures to safeguard employees from the unexpected energization or startup of machinery and equipment, or the release of hazardous energy during service or maintenance activities.

Lockout/Tagout

(1) To avoid accidental activation of machinery, electrical devices or other equipment which could create a hazardous condition while performing maintenance, repair, cleanup or construction work, the main disconnect(s) (line circuit breakers) shall first be locked out and tagged in accordance with the following provisions:

(2) Effective date. Effective July 1, 1982, only padlocks or other equivalent protective devices shall be used for locking out the main disconnect(s) (line circuit breakers) of machinery, electrical devices or other equipment that is shut down while maintenance, repair, cleanup, construction work or other type of work is done to the equipment. Tags shall be used to supplement the padlocks or other equivalent protective devices, and shall be used only for informational purposes.

(3) Padlocks, tags or equivalent protective devices to be supplied. The employer shall supply and the employee(s) shall use as many padlocks or other equivalent protective devices as are necessary to effectively lock out all affected equipment.

(4) Lock out plan. An effective lock out plan shall be formulated in writing and all concerned employees so informed. The plan shall contain specific procedures for locking out equipment, information to be contained on supplemental tags and specific procedures for unlocking equipment after repairs, cleanup, etc., have been completed.

Safety Programs:

Lockout Tagout Safety Compliance Courses