LEARNING TASK 7 : Describe lockout and tagout (LOTO) procedures
Understanding lockout and tagout (LOTO) procedures
When performing maintenance, or doing repair work, or when a machine is in an unsafe state, it is vital to eliminate the possibility of the machine moving unexpectedly.
Maintenance or repairs on process piping or working with electrical equipment might put a worker at risk of an accidental release of energy. Precautions employed to eliminate these hazards are called lockout or lock-off procedures. Simply locking off the electrical power or closing a valve is not necessarily enough. A systematic and thorough knowledge of the system and work to be performed is necessary before you can implement any lockout procedure.
WorkSafeBC regulations and lockouts
De-energization and lockout procedures are described in Part 10 of the OHS Regulation.
Note that:
- You must use your own locks and keys.You must not borrow another person’s lock. If necessary, get extra locks from your supervisor.
- You must remove your own locks.
- You must not remove someone else’s lock.
- If you apply the first lock, you must ensure that the machinery cannot be operated.
- In an emergency, a senior shift supervisor may remove someone else’s lock, but only after every effort has been made to contact the person who put on the lock. The supervisor must ensure that the equipment will operate safely.