Lockout/Tagout
Laboratory workers performing service or maintenance on equipment may be exposed to injuries from the unexpected energization, startup of the equipment, or release or stored energy in the equipment.
OSHA's Control of Hazardous Energy Standard, 29 CFR 1910.147, commonly referred to as the "Lockout/Tagout" Standard, requires employers to adopt and implement safe practices and procedures to:
- shut down equipment,
- isolate it from its energy source(s), and
- prevent the release of potentially hazardous energy while maintenance and servicing activities are being performed.
The standard covers servicing and maintenance of machines and equipment in which the "unexpected" energization or startup of the machines or equipment, or release of stored energy could cause injury to workers.
The term "unexpected" also covers situations in which the servicing and/or maintenance is performed during ongoing normal production operations if:
- a worker is required to remove or bypass machine guards or other safety devices, or
- a worker is required to place any part of his or her body into a point of operation or into an area on a machine or piece of equipment where work is performed, or into the danger zone associated with the machine's operation.
Unexpected and unrestricted release of hazardous energy can occur if:
- all energy sources are not identified;
- provisions are not made for safe work practices with energy present; or
- deactivated energy sources are reactivated, mistakenly, intentionally, or accidentally, without the maintenance worker's knowledge.
Employers should develop, implement and enforce effective procedures for controlling hazards to ensure worker safety during maintenance.
Knowledge Check Choose the best answer for the question.
9-6. What procedure is required to remove or bypass machine guards or other safety devices to perform maintenance?
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