what is lock out tag out procedure

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## 29 CFR 1910 (OSHA) - (3) Full employee protection. (i) When a tagout device is used on an energy isolating device which is capable of being locked out, the tagout device shall be attached at the same location that the lockout device would have been attached, and the employer shall demonstrate that the tagout program will provide a level of safety equivalent to that obtained by using a lockout program. - (ii) In demonstrating that a level of safety is achieved in the tagout program which is equivalent to the level of safety obtained by using a lockout program, the employer shall demonstrate full compliance with all tagout-related provisions of this standard together with such additional elements as are necessary to provide the equivalent safety available from the use of a lockout device. Additional means to be considered as part of the demonstration of full employee protection shall include the implementation of additional safety measures such as the removal of an isolating circuit element, blocking of a controlling switch, opening of an extra disconnecting device, or the removal of a valve handle to reduce the likelihood of inadvertent energization. - (4) Energy control procedure. (i) Procedures shall be developed, documented and utilized for the control of potentially hazardous energy when employees are engaged in the activities covered by this section. - NOTE: Exception: The employer need not document the required procedure for a particular machine or equipment, when all of the following elements exist: (1) The machine or equipment has no potential for stored or residual energy or reaccumulation of stored energy after shut down which could endanger employees; (2) the machine or equipment has a single energy source which can be readily identified and isolated; (3) the isolation and locking out of that energy source will completely deenergize and deactivate the machine or equipment; (4) the machine or equipment is isolated from that energy source and locked out …

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## 29 CFR 1910 (OSHA) - (B) Where a tag cannot be affixed directly to the energy isolating device, the tag shall be located as close as safely possible to the device, in a position that will be immediately obvious to anyone attempting to operate the device. - (5) Stored energy. (i) Following the application of lockout or tagout devices to energy isolating devices, all potentially hazardous stored or residual energy shall be relieved, disconnected, restrained, and otherwise rendered safe. - (ii) If there is a possibility of reaccumulation of stored energy to a hazardous level, verification of isolation shall be continued until the servicing or maintenance is completed, or until the possibility of such accumulation no longer exists. - (6) Verification of isolation. Prior to starting work on machines or equipment that have been locked out or tagged out, the authorized employee shall verify that isolation and deenergization of the machine or equipment have been accomplished. - (e) Release from lockout or tagout. Before lockout or tagout devices are removed and energy is restored to the machine or equipment, procedures shall be followed and actions taken by the authorized employee(s) to ensure the following: - (1) The machine or equipment. The work area shall be inspected to ensure that nonessential items have been removed and to ensure that machine or equipment components are operationally intact. - (2) Employees. (i) The work area shall be checked to ensure that all employees have been safely positioned or removed. - (ii) After lockout or tagout devices have been removed and before a machine or equipment is started, affected employees shall be notified that the lockout or tagout device(s) have been removed. - (3) Lockout or tagout devices removal. Each lockout or tagout device shall be removed from each energy isolating device by the employee who applied the device. Exception to paragraph (e)(3): When the authorized employee who applied the lockout or tagout device is…

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## Appendix B (Non-Mandatory) - Lockout/Tagout Permit Procedure Model Procedure ## I. Policy It is the policy of \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ to provide a safe and healthful work environment. All individuals performing work where they may be exposed to the unexpected or unwanted start-up of equipment or the release of hazardous energy, are required to be adequately trained and protected from such hazards. This permit lockout/tagout procedure applies to all individuals or groups requiring lockout/ tagout protection while performing work on specific equipment for which there is no established written procedure available. Each Department Manager is responsible for implementing and enforcing these procedures for all areas and equipment under his/her control. ## II. Purpose The purpose of this permit procedure is to ensure that all appropriate steps are taken to control hazardous energies in the absence of a formal written procedure. The intent is to prevent injury or death from exposure to hazardous energies. ## III. Definitions Affected Employees are operators and others who need to be notified of work being performed, equipment being locked out, or energy being restored in their work area or area of responsibility, but who have not locked out. Authorized Employees are employees assigned to perform work that requires protection under the lockout/tagout policy, and who have locked out. Hazardous Energy means any level of energy present that can cause unexpected or unwanted movement, activation, flow, or exposure that could result in injury. Sources may include: - (1) Electrical: Alternating and direct current sources, static electricity or stored electrical energy in devices such as capacitors. - (2) Chemical: Energy released through direct contact or by combining chemical substances. - (3) Thermal: Heat generated from electrical, combustion, chemical, mechanical (friction), or nuclear sources.