Tagout Devices
Tagout devices are prominent warning devices that an authorized employee fastens to energy-isolating devices to warn employees not to re-energize the machine while he or she services or maintains it.
Tagout devices are easier to remove and, by themselves, provide employees with less protection than do lockout devices.
Tags are attached with plastic ties and must be hard to remove. There are specific requirements for the use of tagout devices:
- The tags must be attached where the lockout devices would be located.
- The employer must prove the tagout system will provide protection at least as effective as locks and will provide full employee protection.
The employer must demonstrate the protection achieved using tags is equivalent to the level of safety obtained by using locks. So, how do they do it? They must comply with all tagout-related provisions and also use additional safety measures that provide a level of safety equivalent to that obtained by using lockout.
Examples of additional safety measures include:
- removing and isolating a circuit element;
- blocking a controlling switch;
- opening an extra disconnecting device; and
- removing a valve handle to reduce the potential for any inadvertent energization while the tags are attached.
Knowledge Check Choose the best answer for the question.
1-9. Where would you place tagout devices to warn employees not to re-energize the equipment or machinery?
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