Putting the Equipment Back into ServiceĪfter performing all the maintenance, repairs, or upgrades, it is time to safely return the equipment to service. Communication is a crucial element in this step.Ĩ. Establish site procedures to ensure the safe continuity of the lockout process while exchanging locks for personnel changes or when additional authorized employees join in on the maintenance activity. Only after these LOTO steps have been performed and verified can the equipment safely be maintained, repaired, or upgraded.ĭepending on the timing of the necessary repairs, the service may continue during different shifts or days. The authorized employee must prove that all energy hazards have been removed.Įxamples include checking pressure gauges, attempting to start the equipment, and checking for voltage with a multimeter. This step involves verifying that the equipment is powered off and all the energy sources have been disconnected and relieved of energy. This step of the lockout-tagout procedure is only complete once all the residual energy has been dissipated or rendered non-hazardous to the authorized employees performing the equipment maintenance and repair. Even though the equipment has been removed from all power sources and tagged out, there may still be energy hazards stored in the equipment (electric shock, air pressure, heat, motion, gravity, or others).ĭuring this step, identify any remaining stored or hazardous energy sources and disconnect, relieve, or block them. All authorized employees working on the equipment must attach their locking device and tag it to each isolation location using an appropriate locking device.Īfter you finish the tagout procedure, it is time to check for stored energy. The key to the lockout devices must remain under the exclusive control of the authorized employee who placed the lockout-tagout device. Place the tag on the lockout device, which often goes through holes that make it impossible to turn on the equipment without removing the locking device and tag. The LOTO tag should alert others that the equipment is locked out, include the name of the authorized employee performing the service, and any additional information that is imperative to know about the lockout. The next step involves placing LOTO identification tags on each locking device to isolate the equipment’s energy sources. Energy Control Procedures, readily available for each piece of equipment, help identify all isolation locations for authorized employees. This lockout step aims to ensure the equipment cannot be turned on and to eliminate energy hazards. This step can include unplugging power cords, disconnecting external generators or battery packs, turning valves off, removing fuses or flipping circuits, and using safety devices to physically block or prevent those moving parts from motion. You must physically disconnect, remove, or block all energy sources. Once the equipment is powered down, the next step involves isolating the equipment from all energy sources. Once communicating the equipment’s impending shutdown, turn off the equipment using the manufacturer’s recommended procedure. Provide employees with the estimated downtime and assurance that you will notify them when it has been safely returned to service. Before shutting down the equipment, the authorized employee must notify all relevant employees. Many accidents occur when equipment is accidentally powered “on” while maintenance workers perform their duties. This step may require reading the equipment’s manual, contacting the manufacturer for information on the equipment’s power sources, and following the Energy Control Procedures that SEAM Group LOTO professionals can develop for you. To perform this step, the authorized employee must locate all the power sources for the equipment and determine how to disconnect them. The first step to an effective lockout-tagout procedure involves preparing the equipment for a shutdown. When performing maintenance or repairing a piece of equipment, you must follow energy control procedures-called lockout tagout (LOTO)-before commencing work. This article will cover the eight steps of the lockout-tagout procedure so that your employees and maintenance workers remain safe. Program Execution and Project Management.Commissioning Process Development and Documentation.Rooftop Safety and Lightning Protection.Electrical Signage, Lighting, and Controls.NETA Certified Electrical Maintenance, Testing, and Repairs.Switchgear/Switchboard Maintenance and Upgrades.Electrical Retrofits and Capital Improvements.Training Program Development and Delivery.Combustible Dust Hazard Analysis and Mitigation.Electrical Safety and Compliance (NFPA 70E, OSHA).Work Management, Planning, and Scheduling.Asset Reliability and Safety Assessments.
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