Control of Hazardous Energy

Lockout/Tagout
 Why bother with
lockout/tagout?

Lockout and tagout procedures are

designed and implemented to protect
you from an accidental release of
energy.

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What is an “energy source?”
Energy sources include:
 Electrical  Thermal
 Mechanical
 Pressurized water
 Pneumatic or steam
 Hydraulic
 Gravity
 Chemical

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 Hazardous Energy

Problems associated with hazardous

energy include:
 Accidental start-ups
 Electrical shock
 Release of stored or residual energy

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 What is the difference
between lockout and tagout?
Lockout – a padlock and locking
device are used to physically “hold” an
energy control point, such as a switch,
lever or valve handle. This makes it
impossible for energy to be released.
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 What is the difference
between lockout and tagout?
Tagout – a written warning that tells
operators not to operate a switch,
lever or valve that could release
hazardous energy. Tagouts DO NOT
physically prevent someone from
releasing potentially hazardous
energy. 6
Examples of Tags

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Application of the Energy
Control Procedure (Lockout)
1. Prepare for shutdown
2. Shut down equipment
3. Isolate all energy sources
4. Apply locks & tags
5. Release stored energy
6. Verify equipment isolation
7. Perform the task
8. Release from Lockout

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Multiple Lockout

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Group Lock

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 Step 1: Prepare for Shutdown

• Understand equipment hazards

• Notify other workers of shutdown

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Step 2: Shut down equipment

• Use the normal shutdown procedures

• Turn all switches to OFF/Neutral

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Step 3: Isolate all Energy
Sources
 Use energy isolation
devices in accordance with
established procedures to
prevent transmission or
release of energy

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 Step 4: Apply Locks & Tags

Apply locks and tags to:

• Valves
• Breakers/electrical
disconnects
• Mechanical blocks
Valve lockout device

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Step 5: Release or Block
all Stored Energy
• Discharge capacitors
• Block/disconnect lines
• Block or release springs
• Block elevated parts
• Relieve system pressure
• Drain fluids
• Vent gases
• Allow system to cool (or
use PPE)
• Apply any additional
locks and tags needed

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Step 6: Verify Equipment
Isolation
• Check that other workers are
clear of potential hazards
• Check that locking devices
are secure
• Attempt normal startup
• Return control to
OFF/Neutral
Controls to verify
energy isolation

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 Step 7: Perform the Task

 Perform maintenance or
service

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Step 8: Release from Lockout

 Ensure machinery is properly assembled

and all tools removed
 Ensure that employees are outside of danger
zones and are notified that devices are being
removed
 Remove LOTO devices
– Must be removed by authorized
employee who applied it
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