| Purpose |
To prevent accidental start-up, energization, or release of stored energy that could injure workers during maintenance or repair. |
| Definition |
Lock-out is the placement of an energy isolation device on a piece of equipment to render it inoperable. Tag-out is when a tag is placed on a piece of equipment to indicate that the equipment being controlled may not be operated until repaired and the tag out device is removed. |
| Hazards
This list of potential hazards is not comprehensive. Workers are required to complete a Hazard Assessment prior to starting this task to ensure all hazards are identified and controlled.
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Physical:
- Electric shock
- Pinch point
- Crush injury
- Struck by injury
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| Controls |
Engineering:
Administrative:
- Signage/labels
- LOTO training program
- Lock out tags
Personal Protective Equipment:
- Task-Specific PPE: Arc rated coveralls, gloves, eye protection
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| Work Site Supervisory Responsibility |
Do
- Verify that each energy source is identified and controlled before work begins.
- Enforce the use of individual locks (one lock per worker).
- Ensure workers test equipment after lockout to confirm zero energy state.
- Stop work if unsafe practices are observed.
- Ensure damaged tools and equipment are removed from service and have been tagged with an appropriate tag.
- Remove tag and return to service upon completion of maintenance.
- Ensure all necessary Workers are trained in this procedure.
Do not
- Allow tools or equipment that have been tagged out to be used on the Work Site until proper repairs have been made.
- Allow work on equipment without confirming proper lockout/tagout.
- Permit the removal of another worker’s lock or tag.
- Rely only on verbal assurances that equipment is safe.
- Allow makeshift lockout devices.
- Ignore expired, missing, or damaged locks.
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| Worker Responsibility |
Do
- Only use yours/company-issued locks and tags; never share locks.
- Identify all energy sources before beginning service or repair.
- De-energize, isolate, and lock-out each source.
- Release or block stored energy (bleed air lines, discharge capacitors, lower raised, loads.)
- Verify zero energy state before beginning work.
- Keep your key with you at all times.
- Remove your lock and tag only after the work is complete and the area is clear.
Do not
- Remove a tag if the tool or equipment has not been repaired.
- Return a tool or equipment to service that has not been repaired.
- Perform maintenance or servicing without verifying that the equipment is properly locked/tagged out.
- Use someone else’s lock/key or remove another worker’s lock. Do not share your key with anyone.
- Leave your lock or tag on after you’ve left the site for the day.
- Assume equipment is de-energized – always verify.
- Use tags alone unless lockout is physically impossible and permitted under company or supplier (such as ATCO) policy.
- Use makeshift devices in place of proper lockout/tagout equipment.
- Attempt to bypass or override safety devices.
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