When is lockout required

De-energization and lockout must be done in combination to effectively prevent the release of energy that could potentially cause injuries. There are often hidden sources of energy still present even after the main energy source has been disconnected from the equipment.

These hidden energy sources are commonly known as kinetic energy and potential energy. To properly de-energize equipment, it's essential that employers implement controls to eliminate or reduce the risk of these energy sources. Machinery or equipment must be de-energized and locked out when maintenance work is being done, or any time safeguarding is removed, bypassed, or circumvented.

Maintenance is any work performed to keep machinery or equipment in a safe operating condition. This includes installing, repairing, cleaning, and lubricating the equipment, as well as clearing any obstructions in the machinery. Every de-energization and lockout process will involve the same five basic steps outlined below, regardless of the scope of work or the complexity of the machinery or equipment.

Workers must know and understand each of the steps required to properly de-energize and lock out machinery and equipment.

Make sure that all moving parts have come to a complete stop or safe state. Also ensure that the act of shutting off equipment does not cause a hazard for other workers. This practice helps make sure those employees working on the system are not in a hazardous area when the machine is restarted. Note: The Canadian standard CSA Z "Control of Hazardous Energy - Lockout and Other Methods" contains more information and many informative annexes about various risk assessment, lockout situations, and other control methods.

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Search all fact sheets: Search. Type a word, a phrase, or ask a question. The name of the authorized person who attached the tag and lock to the system. The unintended release of hazardous energy stored energy. The unintended start-up or motion of machinery, equipment, or processes. The document should specify: The actual specific machine, equipment, or process involved in the shutdown and isolation process.

How and where the lockout devices are installed. How stored energy is controlled and de-energized. How the isolation can be verified. Please note the following definitions from CSA Z Affected person - persons who are not directly involved in the work requiring the hazardous energy control, but who are or may be located in the work area.

Prepare for shutdown The authorized person will identify which sources of energy are present and must be controlled; and more importantly, identify what method of control will be used.

For approximately how long will the system be unavailable. Who to contact for more information. PRIOR to removing the last lock from a control device, the person doing so is responsible to ensure that all other persons are clear of the machinery or equipment, and that it can be operated safely.

Locks shall only be removed by the person who installed them. In the case of an emergency, see Lock Removal section of this Procedure. Multiple Lock Attachments Each authorized TRU person shall be issued with a minimum of three 3 multiple lock attachments.

As an alternative to item 1, a sufficient number of multiple lock attachments shall be readily available in each MCC or other location where they might be required. When using these devices, never apply a lock to the last available opening. Always apply another multiple lock attachment. Maintenance Department Locks Certain locks may be designated as "Maintenance Department Locks" or "Facilities Services Locks" for the purpose of securing equipment in an inoperable condition for long periods of time.

These locks shall be clearly different in size, shape and colour from the type of locks used by individuals. These locks shall be numbered consecutively and the total number available be recorded. Control of these locks and their keys shall be the responsibility of the Manager, Mechanical and Electrical Services.

A register log shall be maintained to account for the whereabouts of these locks. Where they are signed out by the appropriate supervisor, the record shall indicate who signed the lock out and indicate where the lock is being used. Upon return, each lock shall be logged back in. These locks shall not be used under any circumstance in place of personal locks. Control Devices Some means of attaching a lock and securing the control device in an inoperable position shall be provided for all types of control devices encountered within TRU.

Where the control device is of a circuit breaker type, special lock-out devices shall be attached prior to the use of a multiple lock attachment and locks. On circuit breaker panels, the use of the built-in lock on the panel cover door shall not be used for the purpose of lock-out. Doors of circuit breaker panels shall be retro-fitted with a permanent hasp or eyelets which are capable of accepting a multiple lock attachment device.

Specialized lock-out devices for use on individual circuit breakers are an acceptable alternative to this. Where equipment is fitted with interlocks, those devices shall be disabled and locked out in accordance with these requirements.

Plug-in Equipment The only exception to the requirement for applying locks to control devices is when the equipment is connected to a wall or floor mounted socket or receptacle by a removable plug. Before doing any maintenance work on such equipment remove the plug from the outlet. Check that the correct plug has been removed by testing the equipment to ensure that it has been disconnected.

The person performing the maintenance work must keep control over this plug at all times. Where more than one person is required to work on a piece of plug in equipment, a specialized plug lock box shall be attached to the free end of the cord and normal lock-out procedures shall be followed using multiple lock attachments.

Disengaging Power Sources Before turning off the power source, check to ensure that no one is operating the equipment. A sudden loss of power could cause an accident.

If in doubt about the location of the main disconnect switch or the method of pulling it, contact the electrician on duty. An electrical disconnect shall not be disengaged pulled while it is under load. Such action can cause arcing or an explosion and result in injury or property damage. When disengaging an electrical disconnect be sure that the machinery or equipment is first turned off at the controls. Open the main disconnect with your left hand and face away from the panel.

In larger high voltage installations only a qualified electrician should operate the main disconnect. When locking out valves, taps, or items other than electrical disconnects, the appropriate multiple lock attachment shall be placed through the lock-out loop on the control. If a lock-out loop is not available, an alternate means i. All accumulator tanks or reservoirs which could be holding sufficient reserve energy to operate the equipment shall be drained prior to commencing maintenance work.

The drain valve shall be secured in the open position. If something is broken on a machine, it will need to be repaired or replaced right away.

There are many times when a machine needs to be retooled or otherwise adjusted so that it can be used to make a different model or even a different product. When this is being done, people will almost always have to be working in potentially dangerous areas. If the power is left on, someone could start it up without realizing that the retooling was being done.

These are among the most common situations where the LOTO program is used in manufacturing facilities today. They are not, however, the only situations. Oops, something went wrong. Please try again. Floor Marking.

Tool Organization.