Preparation for Lockout or Tagout Streaming Video on Demand

As an authorized employee, you are the critical safety barrier before maintenance or servicing begins. The "Lockout or Tagout" (LOTO) procedure is non-negotiable for preventing accidental startup or release of hazardous energy. This comprehensive course provides the step-by-step manager's action plan for the preparatory phase of LOTO, ensuring 100% compliance and maximum worker safety.

Before applying any lockout or tagout device, you must ensure affected employees are notified to prevent possible risks and allow them to clear potentially hazardous areas.

The core of preparation is knowing your equipment. Before an employee turns off the equipment, the authorized employee must be fully aware of the type and magnitude of the energy, its hazards, and the precise means to control it. You must be especially mindful of any energy that can be stored or accumulated even after a shutdown.

The physical shutdown of machinery and equipment must occur in an orderly manner, strictly following the lockout/tagout shutdown procedures associated with each machine or piece of equipment. You will learn how to:

• Shut down engines or motors.
• De-energize electrical circuits.
• Block fluid flow in hydraulic or pneumatic systems.
• Block any machine and equipment parts against motion, including potential motion caused by gravity.

Next, you must locate and engage all energy isolation devices necessary to completely de-energize the equipment and isolate it from all energy sources. The authorized employee or team leader will then verify the operation of each energy isolation device.

Once isolation is confirmed, the authorized employee must affix a lockout or tagout tool to each energy-isolating device. Lockout devices must hold the energy-isolating mechanism in a "safe" position. If a device cannot be locked, a tag must be attached close to the isolation device so it’s immediately obvious to anyone who might try to operate the machinery. A tag must also be attached to the lockout device to indicate that the energy-isolating devices shouldn't be moved.

Immediately after applying the LOTO devices, you must relieve all potentially hazardous stored or residual energy. This critical step includes:

• Lowering suspended parts.
• Discharging capacitors.
• Releasing or blocking springs that are under compression or tension.
• Venting fluids from lines, pressure vessels, tanks, or accumulators. Crucially, never vent toxic, flammable, or explosive substances directly into the atmosphere.

The final and most important check is verification. The authorized employee will verify the machinery or equipment is actually isolated and de-energized before starting work on the locked-out or tagged-out equipment. A good rule of thumb to remember throughout this process is: Lock it, tag it, try it.

KEYWORDS: Lockout Tagout, LOTO, Energy Isolation, De-energization, Hazardous Energy, Stored Energy, Residual Energy, Safety Procedures, OSHA Compliance, Authorized Employee, Affected Employees, Shutdown Procedures, Energy Control, Machinery Safety, Equipment Servicing, Lockout Devices, Tagout Devices, Lock it Tag it Try it, Electrical Circuits, Hydraulic Systems.

Notify affected employees before applying LOTO devices.
Determine the type, magnitude, and hazards of energy sources.
Conduct an orderly shutdown using specific procedures.
Locate and engage all energy isolation devices.
Affix lockout or tagout tools to isolation devices.
Relieve all hazardous stored or residual energy.

Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is subject to change and is for promotional and informational purposes only. Prior to acting on the information contained on this page, verify all information against the latest OSHA and applicable standards, regulations, and guidelines. Please also contact us with any questions you have related to this information. Under no circumstances will Atlantic Training, LLC be held responsible for direct, indirect, consequential, or incidental injuries or damages, or any damages or injuries whatsoever, whether resulting from contract, negligence, or other torts, related to the utilization of this information or the contents of this page. Atlantic Training retains the right to incorporate, remove, or adjust the contents on this page without prior notice.