Lockout-Tagout

Lockout-tagout is a risk management method used to reduce the risk of injury on the job due to energizing equipment or machinery that is impaired or under repair.

What are the harmful effects of hazardous energy?

• Workers servicing or maintaining machines or equipment may be seriously injured or killed if hazardous energy is not properly controlled
• Injuries resulting from the failure to control hazardous energy during maintenance activities can be serious or fatal and may include:
  • electrocution

• • burns
  • crushing
  • cutting
  • lacerating
  • amputating
  • fracturing body parts

• Some examples of incidents:

• • A steam valve is automatically turned on, burning workers who are repairing a downstream connection in the piping
  • A jammed conveyor system suddenly releases, crushing a worker who is trying to clear the jam
  • Internal wiring on a piece of factory equipment electrically shorts, shocking an employee who is repairing the equipment

• Craft workers, electricians, machine operators, and laborers are among the 3 million workers who service equipment routinely and face the greatest risk of injury
• Workers injured on the job from exposure to hazardous energy lose an average of 24 workdays for recuperation.

What can be done to control hazardous energy (which accounts for nearly 10 percent of the serious accidents in many industries)?

• Proper lockout-tagout (LOTO) practices and procedures safeguard workers from the release of hazardous energy
• The LOTO standard establishes the employer’s responsibility to protect workers from hazardous energy
• Employers are also required to train each worker to ensure that they know, understand, and are able to follow the applicable provisions of the hazardous energy control procedures

Risk Management, in coordination with LU Human Resources, has online Lockout-Tagout training available to reduce job related injuries.

Lockout-Tagout training is available at the department’s request and given throughout the year. Call HR Safety Program Manager at (434) 592-4846 to request training.