Group Lockout
In many workplaces a group of authorized workers may need to service equipment that has several energy sources and several energy-isolating devices. In these instances, group lockout may be used.
Excavator Safety
Under group lockout, protection must be used which affords the employees a level of protection equivalent to that provided by the implementation of a personal lockout or tagout device.
The Primary Responsible Authorized Employee
The primary responsibility for a set number of employees working under the protection of a group lockout or tagout device must be vested in a single authorized employee. In other words, just one designated person in the group assumes responsibility for securing each energy-isolating device.
However, each authorized employee should be assured of his or her right to personally verify that the hazardous energy has been isolated and/or de-energized.
1910.147(f)(3) Group lockout or tagout.
1910.147(f)(3)(i): When servicing and/or maintenance is performed by a crew, craft, department or other group, they must use a procedure that gives employees protection equal to that provided by using a personal lockout or tagout device.
1910.147(f)(3)(ii): Group lockout or tagout devices must be used according to the procedures required by paragraph (c)(4) of this section, including but not limited to these specific requirements:
- 1910.147(f)(3)(ii)(A): Primary responsibility is given to an authorized employee for a set number of employees working under the protection of a group lockout or tagout device (like an operations lock);
- 1910.147(f)(3)(ii)(B): The authorized employee must be able to check the exposure status of individual group members regarding the lockout or tagout of the machine or equipment;
- 1910.147(f)(3)(ii)(C): If more than one crew, craft, or department is involved, an authorized employee must be assigned to manage job-related lockout or tagout control and to make sure protection continues;
- 1910.147(f)(3)(ii)(D): Each authorized employee must attach a personal lockout or tagout device to the group lockout device, lockbox, or similar mechanism when starting work, and must remove it when finished with the task.
1910.147(f)(4): Shift or personnel changes. Specific procedures must be used during shift or personnel changes to keep lockout or tagout protection in place. These must include steps for safely transferring lockout or tagout protection between employees coming on and going off shift, to lower the risk of unexpected machine energization or stored energy release.
Knowledge Check Choose the best answer for the question.
8-2. When performing group lockout/tagout, who is responsible for securing each energy isolation device?
You forgot to answer the question!