Machine Safety

Lockout/Tag Out Programs

If any employees of a company are required to perform hazardous maintenance or repair of machines and equipment, a formal, written Lockout/Tag out Program must be developed and implemented as part of machine safety training. This program must include machine-specific procedures for shut-down and re-energizing equipment and training for “affected” employees (i.e., those who operate service or work near the equipment in question).

These procedures must be followed during the servicing or maintenance of machines, to avoid the “unexpected energizing or start up of the machinery or equipment, or the release of stored energy, which could cause injury to employees.”

Procedures will vary, depending upon (1) whether the source of hazardous energy is electrical, hydraulic, pneumatic, me-chanical, thermal or chemical, and (2) how many employees are affected. Nevertheless, all employees should be familiar with lockout/tag out procedures for their company’s operations and a review of these should take place periodically.

According to OSHA 5,214 workers died on the job in 2008. Over 14 people a day will go to work today and not make it home. DON’T BE A STATISTIC! Know what part you play in the Lockout/Tag out Program.

*29 CFR 1910.147 describes federal requirements and exempted operations.
Please refer to the attached checklist for tips on safely de-energizing equipment.

Disclaimer: The information and suggestions contained in these safety talks are believed to be reliable. However, the authors of the topics and the owners of this web site accept no legal responsibility for the correctness, sufficiency, or completeness of such information or suggestions contained within these topics. These guidelines do not supercede local, state, or federal regulations and must not be construed as a substitute for, or legal interpretation of, any OSHA regulations.