710 Energy Control Program (Lockout/Tagout)

Glossary

A

• Affected Employee. An employee whose job requires them to operate or use machinery or equipment that is being serviced under lockout/tagout procedures or whose job requires them to work in an area where such procedures are being implemented.
• Air-Operated Valve (AOV). A type of energy isolation device used to control the flow of pneumatic energy by manually or automatically stopping the flow of air through pipes or hoses.
• ANSI (American National Standards Institute). A private, non-profit organization that oversees the development of voluntary consensus standards for products, services, processes, and systems, including safety standards related to lockout/tagout procedures.
• Authorized Employee. A person who has the authority to lock or tag out machines or equipment to perform servicing or maintenance, and who has been trained in the lockout/tagout procedures.

B

• Ball Valve Lockout Device. A type of lockout device used to secure ball valves in a closed position to prevent accidental energization of machinery or equipment. These devices physically block the valve from being turned.

C

• Chemical Energy. Energy stored in the bonds of chemical compounds (atoms and molecules). It is released in chemical reactions, such as the combustion of fuel, and must be properly controlled during lockout/tagout to prevent accidental release during maintenance.
• Combination Lockout/Tagout Device. A device that combines both a lock and a tag to control energy sources and communicate that the equipment is locked out. This approach enhances safety by using both a physical barrier (lock) and a visible warning (tag).
• Control Circuit Device. A device, such as a push button, selector switch, or relay, that controls the flow of electrical energy but does not isolate energy. These are not sufficient for lockout/tagout purposes because they don't physically disconnect the energy source.
• Control of Hazardous Energy. A process designed to ensure that machines and equipment are properly shut down and isolated from energy sources before maintenance or servicing activities are conducted, using lockout/tagout techniques to prevent unexpected energization.

D

• Disconnect Switch. An energy isolation device used to open or close an electrical circuit. Disconnect switches are commonly used in lockout/tagout procedures to safely isolate electrical energy sources.

E

• Electrical Energy. Energy made available by the flow of electric charge through a conductor, typically controlled by devices such as circuit breakers or disconnect switches during lockout/tagout procedures.
• Energy Control Plan (ECP). A comprehensive written program detailing the methods for isolating and controlling hazardous energy during servicing and maintenance. It includes specific lockout/tagout procedures, employee training, and periodic inspections.
• Energy Isolation Device. Any mechanical device that physically prevents the transmission or release of energy, such as a valve, circuit breaker, or disconnect switch, and is used in lockout/tagout procedures to isolate equipment from hazardous energy sources.
• Explosive Energy. Energy released in the form of an explosion, often due to chemical reactions, mechanical failure, or the ignition of gases or dusts. Proper lockout/tagout procedures must address these hazards to prevent accidents.

F

G

• Gravitational Energy. Energy stored in an object due to its position in a gravitational field. Examples include suspended loads or elevated equipment that could fall during maintenance. Lockout/tagout procedures must account for gravitational energy to prevent accidents.
• Group Lockout/Tagout. A procedure used when multiple workers or teams are servicing equipment. It typically involves the use of a lockbox, where each employee applies a personal lock to ensure their individual safety before starting work.

H

• Hazard. A potential source of harm or adverse health effect on a person or persons. Hazards can be physical, chemical, biological, ergonomic, or psychosocial.
• Hydraulic Energy. Energy transmitted through the pressure of fluids in a system, often used to power heavy machinery. Hydraulic systems must be depressurized and isolated during lockout/tagout to prevent accidents.

I

• Incident. An occurrence, condition, or situation arising in the course of work that resulted in or could have resulted in injuries, illnesses, damage to health, or fatalities. Incidents include near misses and dangerous occurrences.
• Incident Review. The examination of workplace accidents, near misses, or safety-related incidents by the committee to determine causes and recommend preventive actions.
• Industry. A particular form or branch of economic or commercial activity. Examples include the construction industry, healthcare industry, and general industry.
• Inspection. A formal or official examination to determine whether a workplace complies with occupational safety and health standards. Inspections are often conducted by regulatory bodies or internal safety teams.
• Instruction. Detailed information on how something should be done or operated, particularly related to workplace safety procedures and the correct use of equipment.
• Interview. A structured conversation conducted to gather information about safety incidents, conditions, or compliance. Interviews are a key part of incident investigations and audits.
• Interviewing Techniques. Methods used to gather information from employees and other stakeholders during safety assessments and investigations. Effective interviewing techniques are crucial for obtaining accurate and comprehensive information.

J

• Job Hazard Analysis (JHA). A process that focuses on job tasks to identify hazards before they occur. It involves examining the relationship between the worker, the task, the tools, and the work environment.

K

• Kinetic Energy. The energy an object has due to its motion. Lockout/tagout procedures must account for moving parts or machinery that may continue to move or operate after energy sources are isolated.
• Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs). The specific knowledge, skills, and abilities that employees must possess to safely perform tasks involving lockout/tagout procedures. This includes understanding energy control methods, proper use of devices, and the ability to follow safety protocols.

L

• Learning. The acquisition of knowledge or skills through experience, study, or being taught, particularly in the context of workplace safety and health practices.
• Lockbox. A central lock storage device used in group lockout/tagout situations. Each authorized employee places their personal lock on the lockbox, ensuring no one can access the key or re-energize equipment until all locks have been removed.
• Lockout Device. A device that uses a lock to physically prevent the operation of an energy-isolating device, ensuring that the machinery cannot be energized while being serviced. Lockout devices include padlocks, ball valve locks, and circuit breaker locks.

M

• Mechanical Energy. Energy associated with the movement or potential movement of objects. Lockout/tagout procedures must account for potential mechanical energy in machines, such as tensioned belts, gears, or springs.

N

• NIOSH (National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health). A federal agency responsible for conducting research and making recommendations for the prevention of work-related injuries and illnesses. NIOSH provides guidelines and best practices for lockout/tagout procedures.
• Non-compliance. Failure to adhere to safety regulations, policies, or procedures. Non-compliance can result in citations, penalties, and increased risk of accidents.

O

• Occupational Health. The branch of healthcare and safety that focuses on the physical and mental well-being of employees in the workplace. Occupational health aims to prevent work-related injuries and illnesses.
• Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). A federal agency in the United States that ensures safe and healthful working conditions by setting and enforcing standards and by providing training, outreach, education, and assistance.
• Output/Outcome. The results or consequences of workplace activities or processes, particularly in terms of safety performance. Outputs and outcomes are used to measure the effectiveness of safety programs.

P

• Pneumatic Energy. Energy stored or transmitted through compressed air. Pneumatic systems must be depressurized and isolated during lockout/tagout to prevent accidental release or activation.
• Potential Energy. Stored energy in an object due to its position, configuration, or condition, such as a raised weight, compressed spring, or pressurized fluid. Lockout/tagout procedures must control and release potential energy to prevent harm.

Q

R

• Radiant Energy. Energy carried by electromagnetic waves, such as light or heat from the sun. While not a common form of hazardous energy in lockout/tagout scenarios, it may need to be controlled in specialized industrial settings, such as laser systems.
• Release from Lockout/Tagout. The process of removing lockout or tagout devices and safely restoring energy to equipment. This involves verifying that the work is complete, notifying all affected employees, and checking that the area is clear of tools and personnel before energizing the equipment.

S

• Servicing and Maintenance. Activities such as installation, repair, inspection, and routine maintenance of equipment. Lockout/tagout procedures are essential during servicing and maintenance to prevent unexpected energization or release of stored energy.
• Shutdown Procedure. The process of safely shutting down machinery or equipment in preparation for servicing or maintenance. Proper shutdown is critical to ensure that energy is isolated before applying lockout/tagout devices.
• Startup Procedure. The controlled process of re-energizing and restarting machinery or equipment after servicing or maintenance has been completed. This procedure follows the removal of lockout/tagout devices and ensures that the equipment is safe to operate.
• Stored Energy. Energy that remains in a system even after it has been shut down, such as electrical charge in capacitors, pressurized air, or fluid in hydraulic systems. Stored energy must be released or controlled before maintenance begins to prevent harm.

T

• Tagout Device. A prominent warning device, such as a tag and a means of attachment, that indicates the equipment is locked out and must not be operated. Unlike a lockout device, a tagout device does not physically prevent the energy from being released.
• Thermal Energy. Energy in the form of heat, which may be present in systems involving combustion or high-temperature equipment. Thermal energy must be properly controlled during lockout/tagout to prevent burns or equipment failure.

U

• Unexpected Energization. The unintentional or accidental startup of equipment or release of stored energy while workers are servicing equipment. Lockout/tagout procedures prevent unexpected energization by isolating and securing energy sources.

V

• Verification of Energy Isolation. The process of ensuring that all energy sources have been effectively isolated and de-energized before starting maintenance or servicing work. Verification typically includes testing equipment or checking for residual energy.

W

• Workplace Inspection. A formal examination of the work environment by the safety committee to identify potential hazards and ensure compliance with safety standards.

X

Y

Z