Lockout/tagout refers to securing tools and equipment when they are being repaired to reduce or eliminate the chance of accidental release of energy. What that means is that if you are working on equipment that could accidentally start up, or that someone could start or engage without you knowing, it needs to be locked out.
Failure to lock out equipment results in fatalities every year.
Review before acting:
- Is the equipment powered? Unplug it or shut it down at the circuit breaker and put a lock on it so no one can come by to start it.
- What are the other sources of energy? It might be pneumatic, hydraulic, gravity, steam, water, chemical, coolant, heat and gas.
It may be your life on the line. Lock it out to stay safe.