Requirements and procedures need to be set for affixing the appropriate lockout signage and locks to energy isolating devices, and to otherwise disable machines, equipment or processes to prevent unexpected start-up and the release of stored electrical, hydraulic, pneumatic, chemical, thermal, or other energy while machinery is under repair.

Lockout procedures are to prevent injury to employees/users engaged in service or maintenance activities of machines, equipment, or processes where the release of energy may put them at serious risk. Work situations where unexpected start-up can occur include new construction, installation or set-up of equipment, and the adjustment, inspection, maintenance, repair, and service of machines and equipment. Energy types to be considered include electrical, mechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic, chemical, and thermal.

Service or maintenance that takes place during normal production operations, such as lubricating, cleaning, and making minor adjustments and simple tool changes, except when users are required to place any part of their into an area on a machine or piece of equipment or even where an associated danger zone exists during a machine operating cycle. Development of specific energy control procedures for each machine or other equipment within its respective area should be addressed.

Procedures that affect the control of hazardous energy require:

1) Shutting off the equipment or machine

2) Locating the energy isolating devices and isolating the equipment or machinery from them

3) Locking or tagging out the energy isolating devices

4) Reducing or eliminating stored residual energy

5) Verifying the effectiveness of the energy isolation

All users must be required to comply with the restrictions and limitations imposed upon them during the use of a lockout device. Users are further required to perform the lockout procedure to protect themselves and others in the area of work. All personnel, upon observing a machine or piece of equipment that is locked out must not attempt to start, energize, or use that machine or equipment.

Outside contractors performing work on machinery should also obey lockout procedures and be shown the procedures before work is to be done.

Keep a master list of all machines and equipment covered by this policy, as well as conduct ongoing inspections of the procedures of all equipment affected by the lockout policy. This list should include:

1) The types and locations of the equipment and the location of the operating controls.

2) The types and locations of the energy isolating devices, including any types of stored energy and the method of dissipation.

3) The types and magnitude of the energy.

4) The hazards of the energy and the method of control.

5) The names of affected employees and how to notify them.

By setting a lockout policy, safety for all will be achieved. These policies will protect employees from an expected machine starts which can lead to major injuries.