Lockout Device Criteria
LOTO devices must prevent other workers from accidentally energizing equipment or machinery while authorized employees are exposed to the various hazards of unexpected startup or shutdown.
LOTO devices must be substantial - not easily defeated.
There are many requirements for the lockout and tagout devices:
- Durable. LOTO devices must be durable, so that they are capable of withstanding the environment to which they are exposed for the maximum period of time that exposure is expected. Lockout devices must work under the environmental conditions in which they are used.
- Substantial. Lockout devices and tagout devices must be strong enough that they can't be removed inadvertently. Tagout devices must be attached with a single-use, self-locking material such as a nylon cable tie.
- Singular. Must be singularly identified.
- Sole purpose. They must be used only for controlling energy. They must not be used for other purposes.
- Standardized. They must be standardized within the facility in at least one of the following criteria: color, shape, or size.
- Identifiable. Any employee who sees a lockout or tagout device must recognize who attached it and understand its purpose. Each lock must have a unique key or combination; this means that only the employee who uses the lock has the key or the combination to that lock.
- Payment. The employer must pay for and provide lockout and tagout devices to employees who need to shut down equipment to service or maintain it.
Knowledge Check Choose the best answer for the question.
5-2. According to the lockout/tagout standard, LOTO devices must be _____, so they are capable of withstanding the environment to which they are exposed.
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