Chapter 16: Lockout / Tagout Energy Control Program
Purpose
This procedure establishes the minimum requirements for controlling hazardous energy whenever maintenance or repair is done on all affected UMW equipment and property. It is used to ensure that the machine or equipment is stopped, isolated from all potentially hazardous energy sources, and locked out before employees perform any servicing or maintenance where the unexpected energizing or start-up of the machine or equipment or release of stored energy could cause injury.
Authorized and Affected Employees
Authorized employees subject to the requirements of this program are to be trained on their duties.
Machinery and Equipment
The machinery and equipment at UMW that falls under the Control of Hazardous Energy Standard includes the following: All energized components and movable systems.
Lockout is the preferred method of isolating machines or equipment from energy sources. Tagout is to be performed instead of lockout only when there is no way to lockout a machine.
Lockout/Tagout Procedures
Affected employees are notified when their machine is to be locked out according to the following methods:
- Work Order
- Direct Communication.
Employees applying the tags to notify of de-energizing equipment are the only individuals authorized to remove the tags after completion of work. All workers that are involved with the operation are to install their lock for insurance of system protection. After any breaks in the repair operations or required LOTO needs, all workers are to reevaluate their application of locks and tags.
UMW has a policy that all employees/contractors utilize the “One Lock, One Key” method. Using this method ensures there is only one individual with a key that opens a certain LOTO Lock. This also ensures that another employee/contractor cannot open the lock and remove lockout protection.
Each employee is to utilize their own lock/tag if they are performing work on the equipment/energy source that is being serviced. This means multiple locks can be on one lockout/tagout means.
The machinery and equipment listed follows these lockout placement, removal, transfer, and responsibility procedures: All HVAC equipment, electrical devices, motors, circuit breakers, flanges, block plates, valves, Fire Suppression (Sprinkler) Systems, and boiler controls.
The machinery and equipment listed above follows this procedure to test the machines to determine and verify the effectiveness of lockout devices, tagout devices, and other energy control measures.
Periodic Inspection
A periodic inspection is done, looking at the energy control procedures performed to ensure that the procedure and requirements of the standard are being followed. This inspection is performed at least annually.
Administrative Duties
UMW OEMS has overall responsibility for coordinating health and safety programs at the University.
Supervisors are the person’s having overall responsibility for the Lockout/Tagout Program. OEMS will review and update the program, as necessary. Copies of the written program may be obtained from OEMS located at Hamlet House.