Energy Sources and Energy Control Devices Interactive Online Training

When performing Lockout/Tagout (LOTO), it is essential to identify every potential energy source within machinery and equipment. While electrical energy is the most common, hazardous energy sources also include mechanical, pneumatic, hydraulic, stored, chemical, thermal, and any potential energy.

Energy exists in two main forms: kinetic and potential. Kinetic energy is the force generated by an object's motion, such as a spinning wheel. Potential energy is the force stored in an object that is not moving, with examples including a spring under tension or gravity. If any part of the body is exposed to these energy types during equipment servicing or maintenance, LOTO procedures must be followed.

The primary method for preventing the release of hazardous energy is using an energy-isolating device. This is a device that physically prevents the transmission or release of energy. Examples of these devices include manually operated circuit breakers, disconnect switches, line valves, and safety blocks.

Lockout specifically requires a lock or another lockout tool to hold the energy-isolating device in a safe, non-operational position, preventing the machinery from being reenergized. Locks must be uniquely keyed, with each employee possessing the only key to their lock. They should be labeled to identify the specific employee who applied the lock, as they are the only person permitted to remove it. Lockout devices must be substantial and strong enough to require excessive force or specialized tools for removal.

In rare cases where an energy-isolating device cannot be locked out, a tagout device must be securely fastened as close as safely possible to the device. This tag must be positioned to be immediately obvious to anyone trying to operate the machinery. The tag warns employees about the reenergization hazard and specifies that the machinery may only be operated once the tag is removed via an established procedure. Tags are merely warning devices and do not offer the same physical restraint as a lock. Tagout attachments are non-reusable, self-locking, and non-releasable, having a minimum unlocking strength of 50 pounds, and must be attachable by hand with a one-piece nylon cable tie or equivalent.

Both lockout and tagout devices should only be used for energy control. They must be durable enough for workplace conditions and standardized by color, shape, or size. Tags must be legible and provide clear instructions, such as: "Do Not Start," "Do Not Open," or "Do Not Operate".

KEYWORDS: Lockout Tagout, LOTO, hazardous energy, energy control devices, energy sources, electrical energy, mechanical energy, potential energy, kinetic energy, energy-isolating device, circuit breakers, disconnect switches, line valves, safety blocks, tagout device, tagout attachments, reenergization, service and maintenance, OSHA compliance, workplace safety.

Identify various hazardous energy sources in equipment and machinery.
Distinguish between kinetic and potential energy types.
Define and recognize an energy-isolating device.
Apply proper lockout and tagout procedures and devices.
Describe the durability and standardization requirements for LOTO devices.
Explain the distinct purpose and limitations of tagout devices.

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