12.E Locks and Tags.
12.E.01 Systems with energy isolating devices that are capable of being locked out must be locked out. If an energy isolating device is not capable of being locked out, the HEC procedures must use tagout providing full personnel protection.
This is a standard lockout/tagout device.
- All tagout requirements of this regulation and of the HEC procedures must be complied with;
- The tag must be attached to the same location, if possible, that the lock would have been attached. If this is not possible then the tag must be attached as close a safely possible to the device and in a position that will be immediately obvious to anyone attempting to operate the device, and
- Additional means (e.g., placement of the tag in a manner that inhibits operation of the energy isolating device, removal of an isolating circuit mechanism, blocking of a control switch, opening of an extra disconnecting device, removal of a valve handle to reduce the likelihood of inadvertent energizing, etc.) shall be employed to provide a level of protection commensurate with that provided by a lock.
- When tags only must be used (the use of locks is not possible), employees shall be instructed in the following requirements and limitations of tags:
- (1) Tags must be legible and understood by all authorized and affected employees and incidental personnel.
- (2) Tags and their means of attachment must be made of materials that will withstand the environments encountered in the workplace.
- (3) Tags must be securely attached to energy isolating devices so that they cannot become inadvertently or accidentally detached during use.
- (4) Tags must not be removed without authorization of the authorized employee and must never be bypassed, ignored, or otherwise defeated.
- (5) Tags are essentially warning devices affixed to energy isolating devices and do not provide the physical protection that is provided by a lock; tags may evoke a false sense of security.
12.E.02 LOTO must be performed only by authorized employees.
12.E.03 All employees affected by the LOTO must be notified, before and upon completion of, the application and removal of locks or tags.
12.E.04 Locks and tags used for lockout/tagout (LOTO) must:
- Be capable of withstanding the environment that they are exposed to for the maximum period of time the exposure is expected;
- Indicate the identity of the employee applying the device;
- Be of a unique design or color to readily identify them as belonging to the LOTO program;
- Not be used for anything other than lockout activities;
- Identify the person who applied the lock or tag. Locks may have a tag attached with the employee's name and/or photograph which will satisfy this requirement;
- Locks must be substantial enough to prevent removal without the use of excessive force or unusual techniques (such as with the use of bolt cutters);
- Tags must, in addition, meet all of the following requirements:
- (1) Have a standardized (within a project) print and format;
- (2) Be constructed and printed so that exposure to weather conditions, ultraviolet (UV) light, wet or damp locations, or corrosive environments will not cause the tag to deteriorate or the message to become illegible;
- (3) Be attached by means that are: Non-reusable; Substantial enough to prevent inadvertent or accidental removal; Attachable by hand; Self-locking; Non-releasable, with a minimum unlocking strength of no less than 50 lb (22.6 kg); and have the basic characteristics of being at least equivalent to a one-piece, all-environment-tolerant nylon cable tie; and
- (4) Warn against the hazardous condition resulting from system energization and include wording such as "DANGER - DO NOT START, OPEN, CLOSE, ENERGIZE, OPERATE".
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12-5. During lockout/tagout, where are tags to be attached?
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