Lockout Tagout Training: Ensuring Workplace Safety

By R.W. Hurst, Editor

OSHA lockout tagout training is an essential component of the safety measures employers must implement to protect workers from potentially hazardous energy sources. The training helps workers to understand the OSHA lockout tagout standards, the risks associated with uncontrolled energy sources, and the procedures for shutting down and isolating machinery or equipment. By following the seven steps to lockout tagout and taking appropriate measures to prevent unexpected energization, workers can help to ensure their safety and the safety of others in the workplace.


What is OSHA Lockout Tagout Training?

Lockout tagout training is a training program that helps workers to understand and comply with the OSHA lockout tagout standards. It is a vital component of the safety measures employers must implement to protect workers who service or maintain machines or equipment. The training helps workers to understand the procedures for shutting down and isolating machinery, identifying energy sources, and restoring power when work is complete. The training also includes education on how to use lockout and tagout devices to ensure the machinery or equipment is not accidentally energized.


How Often Does OSHA Require Lockout Tagout Training?

OSHA lockout tagout training is required for all workers who service or maintain machinery or equipment. The training frequency depends on the risk associated with the task being performed. For example, if the worker performs routine maintenance or servicing that does not require the machine or equipment to be fully shut down, the training should be provided at least once a year. If the worker performs more complex servicing or maintenance tasks that require the machine or equipment to be shut down completely, the training should be provided at least once every three years. Additional training should also be provided if there are changes to the machinery or equipment or if the worker is reassigned to a different position.


What is the OSHA Standard for Lockout Tagout?

The OSHA lockout tagout standard is designed to protect workers from unexpected energization or start-up of machinery or equipment. This standard is found in Title 29 of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 1910.147. The standard requires employers to implement an energy control program to protect workers from hazardous energy sources. The energy control program should include procedures for shutting down and isolating machinery and a system for verifying that the machinery or equipment is safe to work on before the work begins. The program should also include lockout and tagout devices to prevent machinery or equipment from being accidentally energized.


What is the Lockout Tagout Training Requirement?

The lockout tagout training requirement is a critical component of the OSHA standard. Employers must train workers at risk of injury or death from the unexpected energization or start-up of machinery or equipment. The training should cover the following topics:

  • The purpose of the lockout tagout standard
  • The types of energy sources that are present in the workplace
  • The hazards associated with uncontrolled energy sources
  • The energy control program and its requirements
  • The proper procedures for shutting down and isolating machinery or equipment
  • The use of lockout and tagout devices
  • The verification of machinery or equipment before work begins

The procedures for restoring power to machinery or equipment after servicing or maintenance are complete


What Are the 7 Steps to Lockout Tagout?

The lockout tagout procedures consist of seven key steps, as follows:

  1. Preparation for Shutdown: The worker should be trained to identify the machinery or equipment that needs servicing or maintenance and to notify other workers affected by the shutdown.
  2. Shutdown: The worker should be trained to shut down the machinery or equipment using the correct procedures and to isolate all energy sources.
  3. Isolation: The worker should be trained to isolate all energy sources, including electrical, mechanical, and hydraulic sources, using lockout and tagout devices.
  4. Lockout and Tagout: The worker should be trained to use lockout and tagout devices to secure all energy sources and prevent accidental energization of the machinery or equipment.
  5. Release of Stored Energy: The worker should be trained to safely release stored energy, such as pressure or tension, before beginning work.
  6. Verification: The worker should be trained to verify that all energy sources have been properly isolated and that the machinery or equipment is safe to work on.
  7. Restoration: The worker should be trained to restore power to the machinery or equipment in the correct order, following the proper procedures to prevent accidents.

These seven steps are critical to the safety of workers who service or maintain machinery or equipment. OSHA lockout tagout training is essential to ensure that workers understand and follow them.


Unexpected Energization

Unexpected energization can occur when energy sources not properly isolated are inadvertently activated. This can happen when maintenance or servicing is performed or when an electrical fault or other problem occurs. Workers should be trained to identify potential sources of unexpected energization, such as backup batteries or capacitors, and to take appropriate measures to prevent accidental activation.


Service or Maintenance

Service or maintenance is one of the most common times when workers are at risk of injury or death from unexpected energization. Therefore, OSHA lockout tagout training should be provided to all workers who perform service or maintenance on machinery or equipment. In addition, workers should be trained to follow the lockout tagout procedures carefully and to ensure that all energy sources are properly isolated before beginning work.
 

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