LEARNING TASK 2 : Describe short-term hazards in the trades
Lockout
A lockout or tagout system (LOTO) is designed to protect workers from hazardous energy while they work with machines or equipment. As the name implies, a lockout procedure systematically uses locking devices to completely secure equipment that controls or represent a hazard. It also ensures that equipment is de-energized before being maintained or repaired.
Energy sources can include:
- hydraulic or pneumatic energy
- mechanical and kinetic energy
- gravitational and potential energy
- electrical energy
The following assumptions are unacceptable where safety is concerned:
- It is not enough to simply throw a switch and start work.
- It is not enough to hang a “do not use” sign on a machine.
- It is not enough to tell everyone not to turn on the power.
- It is not enough to have everyone assure you that no one will activate the power
In addition, Workers’ Compensation Board lockout regulations will be covered in Competency A-2, Learning Task 6.