Most industrial accidents are caused by the unexpected energization or start up of machines / equipment or by the uncontrolled release of energy. Whereas, these accidents can be prevented by proper LOCKOUT / TAGOUT procedures.
Lockout Storage system OSHA's LOCKOUT / TAGOUT standard, 29 CFR & 1910.269 are designed to prevent needless deaths and serious injuries to service & maintenance personnel by controlling unauthorized or accidental use of energy.
To perform service and maintenance work on industrial equipment safely, you must understand the importance of energy control and OSHA's LOCKOUT / TAGOUT standards.
WHAT IS LOCKOUT / TAGOUT ( LOTO ) ?
A lockout is a method of preventing mishaps by keeping equipment from being accidentally started or switched off. Lockouts are used for - disconnecting switches , circuit breakers , valves or other energy isolation mechanisms & to put them in the safe / off position. A lock is attached, so that the equipment can't be energized.
In a Tagout, the energy-isolating device is placed in the safe position and a written warning is attached to it. Mostly, Lockout and Tagout materials are supplied by the Employers to make their employees answerable & responsible for all their acts / decision taken during the production , maintenance , servicing , installation , disassembling of machines, etc. These are the areas where maximum accidents take place in a unit.