What is the difference between lockout and tagout

The process of tagging out a system involves attaching or using an information tag or indicator usually a standardized label that includes the following information:. Note: ONLY the authorized individual who placed the lock and tag onto the system is the one who is permitted to remove them.

This procedure helps make sure the system cannot be started up without the authorized individual's knowledge. Safety devices such as barrier guards or guarding devices are installed on systems to maintain worker safety while these systems are being operated. When non-routine activities such as maintenance, repair, or set-up; or the removal of jams, clogs or misaligned feeds are performed, these safety devices may be removed provided there are alternative methods in place to protect workers from the increased risk of injury of exposure to the unintended or inadvertent release of energy.

De-energization is a process that is used to disconnect and isolate a system from a source of energy in order to prevent the release of that energy. By de-energizing the system, you are eliminating the chance that the system could inadvertently, accidentally or unintentionally cause harm to a person through movement, or the release of heat, light, or sound. An organization will have one lockout program document, and as many sets of work instructions as required, depending on the number of systems that require lockout.

As with all programs or procedures, a continuous improvement or auditing step should also occur. Work instructions will identify how the lockout process is to be carried out in a step-by-step manner including how stored energy is controlled and de-energized, how isolation can be verified, and how and where lockout devices are installed.

Work instructions are machine, equipment or process specific and may include pictures or images of what is being described. Lockout and tag out processes involve more than putting a lock on a switch. They are comprehensive step-by-step processes that involve communication, coordination, and training. 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.

Authorized person - a person who is qualified to engage in hazardous energy control because of knowledge, training, and experience and has been assigned to engage in such control. 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.

This step involves completing sets of specific work instructions that outline what controls and practices are needed to lock and tag out a system before performing any activity.

If the system is operating it should be shutdown in its normal manner. Use manufacturer instructions or in-house work instructions. Equipment shutdown involves ensuring controls are in the off position, and verifying that all moving parts such as flywheels, gears, and spindles have come to a complete stop.

The exact written instructions will be specific to that system in the workplace. In general, the following procedures are used:. When the system's energy sources are locked out, there are specific guidelines that must be followed to make sure that the lock cannot be removed, and the system cannot be inadvertently operated. These guidelines include:. Verify that the system is properly locked out before beginning any work.

Tagout Tagout features the use of tags to inform employees of the impending or ongoing servicing on a particular piece of hazardous equipment. OSHA describes tagout devices as:. A prominent warning device, such as a tag and a means of attachment, which can be securely fastened to an energy isolating device in accordance with an established procedure, to indicate that the energy isolating device and the equipment being controlled may not be operated until the tagout device is removed.

This method is not considered as safe as the use of lockout. Tagout should only be used during a couple different situations. Situations when tagout only may be acceptable is when locks cannot be used there is nowhere to physically place the lock or when the employer can demonstrate that a tag will provide full levels of protection to the employees. It is important to remember that tags are only warning devices and do not physically stop someone from accidentally energizing equipment.

Furthermore, tags are only as effective as their understandability. If tags feature illegible writing or ambiguous verbiage they are likely to be ineffective. Purpose of LOTO Devices The main purpose of using LOTO devices is to stop others from accidentally starting up hazardous equipment while it is being repaired, serviced, or undergoing maintenance checks. In order to be successful, all LOTO devices should be considered and deemed acceptable for the type of environment they are being used in.

For instance, an environment that is wet or features the use of chemicals should utilize locks and tags that are resistant to corrosion and are able to withstand the environmental conditions.

Furthermore, all locks and tags should feature some sort of identifiable feature meaning that they should show the identity of the person who placed the lock or tag on the equipment.

Lastly, locks and tags should not be placed on parts of equipment where there is a risk of the device falling off or being easily removed. Lockout is definitely a safer and more effective method than just simply using tagout. Locks provide a physical barrier that cannot be taken off without the use of a key. When it comes to the safety of employees during a LOTO procedure, the use of locks is an effective device choice. Previous post Safe and Effective Evacuation.

Floor Marking. They are used to keep employees safe from equipment or machinery that could injure or kill them if not managed correctly.

If lockout tagout practices are not observed employees can be seriously injured or killed by the machinery or equipment they are working on or around. If you need more convincing- there are also some pretty hefty fines involved if you choose not to follow the regulations laid out by CFR In fact, this specific regulation is one of the top 10 most frequently cited by OSHA. Learn more about the top 10 OSHA fines here. Ready to implement a lockout tagout program?

Talk to a representative using the form at the bottom of the page. The OSHA standard outlines the minimum requirements for controlling hazardous energy pressure, gas, electricity, etc. It requires employers to have a program in place to make sure employees lock out machines before servicing or maintaining them.

Employers mush establish the procedures for removing the energy source from machines and putting the appropriate devices on them to prevent unexpected startup or reenergization. It must also address any stored energy the machine may have.

They must also train the employees on the program they establish and inspect the procedures regularly. This means at the very least once a year.