University of Wisconsin - Stout

Lockout/Tag-out Program

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Purpose

The purpose of this program is to facilitate compliance with OSHA regulations codified as 29 CFR 1910.147, The control of hazardous energy (lockout/tag-out). The program applies to all machines and equipment on the UW – Stout campus where the unexpected energization or start up or release of stored energy could cause injury to employees.

Exceptions

This program does not apply to work on cord and plug connected electric equipment where exposure to hazards of unexpected energization or start up can be controlled by unplugging and maintaining control of the plug by the employee performing service or maintenance.

This program does not apply to hot tap operations involving distribution systems for gas, steam, or water where work involves pressurized pipelines and where continuity of service is essential, system shutdown is impractical, documented procedures are followed, and special equipment is used to provide effective protection for employees.

Authorized Employees and Training

All activities under this program shall only be performed by employees specifically authorized by their supervisors to conduct lockout tag-out procedures. Prior to performing any such activities all employees shall be trained and the training documented. Training shall cover this written program, the general OSHA regulation, recognition of pertinent hazardous energy sources, types and magnitude of energy sources and the specific equipment in use at UW - Stout.

Generic Procedures

Generic procedures apply where the following conditions are all met:

• The machine or equipment has no potential for stored or residual energy or re-accumulation of stored energy after shut down;
• The machine or equipment has a single energy source which can be readily identified and isolated;
• The isolation and locking out of that energy source will completely de-energize and deactivate the machine or equipment;
• The machine or equipment is isolated from that energy source and locked out during servicing or maintenance;
• A single lockout device will achieve a locked out condition;
• The lockout device is under the exclusive control of the authorized employee performing the servicing or maintenance;
• The servicing or maintenance does not create hazards for other employees; and
• The UW - Stout has had no accidents involving the unexpected activation or reenergization of the machine or equipment during servicing or maintenance.

Electrical machines or equipment which meet the above eight criteria and which are hard wired shall be locked out using the following procedures intended to prevent accidental reenergization or start up:

• The electrical energy source shall be locked out at the junction box or breaker panel using a lock appropriate for the purpose of preventing unauthorized activation.
• The action of locking out electrical energy shall be performed only by authorized and trained employees who shall identify the lockout action using a tag clearly identifying the employee's name , by using an individually identifiable lock, or by equivalent means.
• If the equipment has on-off controls separate from the locked out energy source, the success of the lockout procedure shall be tested by activating the on control; following a successful test the off control shall be activated.
• Maintenance or servicing procedures shall be performed; and when finished, the machine or equipment shall be inspected to verify removal of any tools, parts, or other objects which might interfere with proper operation and/or pose a hazard to the employee.
• The lockout device and any tag-out device shall be removed and the machine or equipment activated to verify normal and safe function.

Pressurized pipes or equipment which meet the above eight criteria and which may be de-energized by a valve or equivalent device shall be locked out using the following procedures to prevent accidental pressurization:

• The valve or shut-off device shall be locked out using a lock, lockable valve cover, chain and lock or combination of lockout devices appropriate for the purpose of preventing unauthorized activation.
• The action of locking out pressurized energy shall be performed only by authorized and trained employees who shall identify the lockout action using a tag clearly identifying the employee's name , by using an individually identifiable lock, or by equivalent means.
• Pressurized fluids within the equipment or piping shall be controllably depressurized by opening a bleeder valve or by equivalent actions such as gradual removal of an end cap or other fitting.
• If the equipment has functional controls or valves separate from the locked out energy source, the success of the lockout procedure shall be tested by activating the control or valve; following a successful test the control or valve shall be returned to an inoperative position.
• Maintenance or servicing procedures shall be performed; and when finished, the machine or equipment shall be inspected to verify removal of any tools, parts, or other objects which might interfere with proper operation and/or pose a hazard to the employee.
• The lockout device and any tag-out device shall be removed and the machine or equipment activated to verify normal and safe function.

Equipment Specific Procedures

The following machines or equipment do not meet the eight criteria listed a pages 2 and 3, and unit specific procedures are as follows:

[If no pertinent machines or equipment are on campus, this section may be deleted; if present, specific procedures must be developed and included here, unit by unit…]

Annual Inspection

An annual inspection will be conducted by the supervisor (inspector) of the authorized employees performing the lockout/tagout work. This inspection shall include a review between the supervisor and each authorized employee of the employee's responsibilities relative to the energy control procedure being inspected.

A written certification must be generated verify the annual inspection and the results thereof. This certification shall include identification of the machine or equipment on which the energy control program was being utilized, the date of the inspection, the employees included in the inspection and the name of the inspector. Any defects or problems with the procedures shall be noted and steps taken to improve the program.

Annual review of this program will be the responsibility of the Director of Safety & Risk Management Services.