Absence of the Authorized Employee
If the authorized employee who affixed lockout/tagout devices is not present, you can authorize another employee to remove the device if that employee is properly trained and follows a documented energy control procedure.
The procedure must ensure that the original authorized employee is not available to remove the device, that someone has tried to contact and inform the authorized employee that another employee has removed the device, and that the authorized employee knows the device has been removed before returning to work. To ensure safe startup, the equipment should also be inspected and affected employees notified.
Here's what must be done if a worker who didn't apply the lockout/tagout device actually removes the device. The person in charge must accomplish three actions listed below:
- Verify that the authorized employee who applied the device is not at the facility.
- Make all reasonable efforts to contact the authorized employee to inform him/her that his/her lockout or tagout device has been removed.
- Ensure that the authorized employee knows that the lockout device has been removed before he/she resumes work at the facility.
Best Practice: Some companies have developed a "Lock Removal Form" and require it to be completed before a lock is removed by another authorized employee. This form identifies the lock owner and equipment, how the owner was contacted, the reason it was left on, confirmation the job was complete, why the lock is being removed, and actions taken to ensure safe startup. The form is signed by a supervisor and kept on file for annual review.
Knowledge Check Choose the best answer for the question.
7-2. Before removing a LOTO device applied by another employee, the person in charge must take which action?
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