Lockout/Tagout
Taking shortcuts can end your life. No where is this statement more true than in situations where lockout/tagout procedures are required. Lockout procedures have been developed by your company to control the release of hazardous energy. When these procedures are not followed properly and completely, this energy can injure and kill.
Read this Scenario...
Mike Rorceni, forklift operator, was dumping cardboard into the compactor and noticed that the machine wasn’t operating. Although he was not qualified to service or adjust the compactor, he jumped into it to make repairs. He had mistakenly turned on the automatic activation switch. The ram activated it crushed Mike to death.
Lesson: You must be trained and authorized to service company equipment. Only do work for which you are qualified. If lockout procedures are required in any given situation and you are not qualified to do them, have an authorized person perform them.
If you are qualified to perform lockout procedures, you must know and understand these four things:
- the type and magnitude of the energy to be isolated
- the proper sequence and steps to perform the lockout/tagout procedure
- the location of the written lockout plan in your plant
- the hazards of the machine and energy related to the equipment you intend to service
Other Lockout Tips:
- Everyone working on a machine or process line must put his or her own lock and tag on the lockout device.
- Don’t take short cuts in an effort to do a good job or get the machine on-line sooner. Always follow all required lockout procedures.