STD 1-7.3 - 29 CFR 1910.147, the Control of Hazardous (Lockout/Tagout) - Inspection Procedures and Interpretive Guidance/title> </head> <body> <div align="center"> <center> <table cellSpacing="0" cellPadding="0" width="515" border="0" style="border-collapse: collapse" bordercolor="#111111"> <tr> <td><br> <img alt="Compliance Directive" src="directive.gif" border="0" width="243" height="22"> <br> <h3><b>STD 1-7.3 - 29 CFR 1910.147, the Control of Hazardous (Lockout/Tagout) - Inspection Procedures and Interpretive Guidance</b> </h3> <p> </p> <ul class="bodytext"> <li><b>Record Type:</b> Instruction </li> <li><b>Directive Number:</b> STD 1-7.3 </li> <li><b>Standard Number:</b> 1910.147 </li> <li><b>Subject:</b> 29 CFR 1910.147, the Control of Hazardous (Lockout/Tagout) - Inspection Procedures and Interpretive Guidance </li> <li><b>Information Date:</b> 09/11/1990 </li> </ul> <table width="437" border="0"> <tr vAlign="top"> <td><span class="bodytext">U.S. Department of Labor</span></td> <td><span class="bodytext">Assistant Secretary for<br> Occupational Safety and Health<br> Washington, D.C. 20210</span></td> </tr> </table> <p><span class="bodytext">OSHA Instruction STD 1-7.3<br> SEP 11 1990<br> Directorate of Compliance Programs<br> <br> </span></p> <table width="437" border="0"> <tr vAlign="top"> <td width="90"><span class="bodytext">SUBJECT:</span></td> <td width="337"><span class="bodytext">29 CFR 1910.147, the Control of Hazardous Energy (Lockout/Tagout)--Inspection Procedures and Interpretive Guidance </span></td> </tr> </table> <p> </p> <ol type="A"> <li><span class="bodytext">Purpose. This instruction establishes policies and provides clarification to ensure uniform enforcement of the Lockout/Tagout Standards. </span> </li> <li><span class="bodytext">Scope. This instruction applies OSHA-wide. </span> </li> <li><span class="bodytext">References. <br> </span><ol> <li><span class="bodytext">General Industry Standards, 29 CFR 1910, Subpart O, Subpart S, and other specific subparts.</span> <p> </li> <li><span class="bodytext">OSHA Instruction CPL 2.45B, June 15, 1989, the Revised Field Operations Manual (FOM). <br> <br> </span></li> </ol> </li> <li><span class="bodytext">Effective Date of Requirements. All requirements of 29 CFR 1910.147 have an effective date of January 2, 1990. The information collection requirements contained in this section have been approved by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) and listed under OMB control number 1218-0150, as announced at Federal Register, Volume 54, No. 199, October 17, 1989. </span> <p> </li> <li><span class="bodytext">Action. Regional Administrators and Area Directors shall ensure that the guidelines and interpretive guidance in this instruction are followed and that compliance officers are familiar with the contents of the standard.</span><br> <br> </li> <li><span class="bodytext">Federal Program Change. This instruction describes a Federal program change which affects State programs. Each Regional Administrator shall: <br> <br> </span><ol> <li><span class="bodytext">Ensure that this change is forwarded to each State designee. </span> <p> </li> <li><span class="bodytext">Explain the technical content of this change to the State designee as requested. </span> <p> </li> <li><span class="bodytext">Ensure that State designees acknowledge receipt of this Federal program change in writing, within 30 days of notification, to the Regional Administrator. This acknowledgment should include the State's intention to follow the inspection guidelines described in this instruction, or a description of the Stat's alternative guidelines which are "at least as effective" as the Federal guidelines. </span> <ol type="a"> <p> </p> <li><span class="bodytext">If a State intends to follow the revised inspection guidelines described in this instruction, the State must submit either a revised version of this instruction, adapted as appropriate to reference State law, regulations and administrative structure, or a cover sheet describing how references in this instruction correspond to the State's structure. The State's acknowledgment letter may fulfill the plan supplement requirement if the appropriate documentation is provided. </span> <p> </li> <li><span class="bodytext">Any alternative State inspection guidelines must be submitted as a State plan supplement within 6 months. If the State adopts an alternative to Federal guidelines, the State's submission must identify and provide a rationale for all substantial differences from Federal guidelines in order for OSHA to judge whether a different State guideline is as effective as a comparable Federal guideline. </span></li> </ol> <p> </li> <li><span class="bodytext">After Regional review of the State plan supplement and resolution of any comments thereon, forward the State submission to the National Office in accordance with established procedures. The Regional Administrator shall provide a judgment on the relative effectiveness of each substantial difference in the State plan change and an overall assessment thereof with a recommendation for approval or disapproval by the Assistant Secretary. </span> <p> </li> <li><span class="bodytext">Review policies, instructions and guidelines issued by the State to determine that this change has been communicated to State personnel. </span></li> </ol> <p> </li> <li><span class="bodytext">Background. The Standard for Control of Hazardous Energy (Lockout/Tagout), 29 CFR 1910.147, was promulgated on September 1, 1989, at Federal Register, Volume 54, No. 169 (pages 36644-36696), and was effective on January 2, 1990, as announced at Federal Register, Volume 54, No. 213, November 6, 1989 (page 46610). Previously existing section 29 CFR 1910.147 was redesignated as 29 CFR 1910.150, Sources of Standards. </span> <ol> <p> </p> <li><span class="bodytext">Since the inception of its enforcement program, OSHA has relied on the "General Duty Clause" (Section 5(a)(1) of the OSH Act) to ensure that employers safeguarded their maintenance and service employees through the use of lockout/tagout from the hazards involving the unintentional release of hazardous energy. Such violations reached a level so significant that the development and promulgation of a lockout/tagout standard was required. </span> <p> </li> <li><span class="bodytext">The new rule addresses practices and procedures that are necessary to disable machinery or equipment and to prevent the release of potentially hazardous energy while maintenance and servicing activities are being performed. </span> <p> </li> <li><span class="bodytext">The lockout/tagout provisions of this standard are for the protection of general industry workers while performing servicing and maintenance functions and augment the safeguards specified at Subparts O, S, and other applicable portions of 29 CFR 1910. </span></li> </ol> <p> </li> <li><span class="bodytext">Inspection Guidelines. The standard incorporates performance requirements which allow employers flexibility in developing lockout/tagout programs suitable for their particular facilities. </span> <ol> <p> </p> <li><span class="bodytext">The compliance officer shall determine whether servicing and maintenance operations are performed by the employees. If so, the compliance officer shall further determine whether the servicing and maintenance operations are covered by 29 CFR 1910.147 or by the requirements or employee safeguarding specified by other standards as discussed in I.1. </span> <p> </li> <li><span class="bodytext">Evaluations of compliance with 29 CFR 1910.147 shall be conducted during all general industry inspection within the scope of the standard in accordance with the FOM, Chapter III, D.7. and 8., Additional Information to Supplement Records Review. The review of records shall include special attention to injuries related to maintenance and servicing operations. </span> <p> </li> <li><span class="bodytext">The compliance officer shall evaluate the employer's compliance with the specific requirements of the standard. The following guidance provides a general framework to assist the compliance officer during inspections: </span> <ol type="a"> <p> </p> <li><span class="bodytext">Ask the employer for any hazard analysis or other basis on which the program related to the standard was developed. Although this is not a specific requirement of the standard, such information, when provided, will aid in determining the adequacy of the program. It should be noted that the absence of a hazard analysis does not indicate non-compliance with the standard. </span> <p> </li> <li><span class="bodytext">Ask the employer for the documentation including: procedures for the control of hazardous energy including shutdown, equipment isolation, lockout/tagout application, release of stored energy, verification of isolation; certification of periodic inspections; and certification of training. The documented procedure must identify the specific types of energy to be controlled and, in instances where a common procedure is to be used, the specific equipment covered by the common procedure must be identified at least by type and location. The identification of the energy to be controlled may be by magnitude and type of energy. Note the exception to documentation requirements at paragraph 1910.147(c)(4)(i), "Note". The employer need not document the required procedure for a particular machine or equipment when all eight(8) elements listed in the "Note" exist. </span> <p> </li> <li><span class="bodytext">Evaluate the employer's training programs for "authorized", "affected", and "other" employees. Interview a representative sampling of selected employees as a part of this evaluation (29 CFR 1910.147 (c)(7)(i)).</span> <br> <br> <table border="0"> <tr vAlign="top"> <td><span class="bodytext">(1) </span></td> <td><span class="bodytext">Verify that the training of authorized employees includes:<br> <br> </span><table border="0"> <tr vAlign="top"> <td><span class="bodytext">(a)</span> </td> <td><span class="bodytext">Recognition of hazardous energy; <br> <br> </span></td> </tr> <tr vAlign="top"> <td><span class="bodytext">(b)</span> </td> <td><span class="bodytext">Type and magnitude of energy found in the workplace;<br> <br> </span></td> </tr> <tr vAlign="top"> <td><span class="bodytext">(c)</span> </td> <td><span class="bodytext">The means and methods of isolating and/or controlling energy; and<br> <br> </span></td> </tr> <tr vAlign="top"> <td><span class="bodytext">(d)</span> </td> <td><span class="bodytext">The means of verification of effective energy control, and the purpose of the procedures to be used. </span><br> <br> </td> </tr> </table> </td> </tr> <tr vAlign="top"> <td><span class="bodytext">(2)</span> </td> <td><span class="bodytext">Verify that affected employees have been instructed in the purpose and use of the energy control procedures. </span><br> <br> </td> </tr> <tr vAlign="top"> <td><span class="bodytext">(3)</span> </td> <td><span class="bodytext">Verify that all other employees who may be affected by the energy control procedures are instructed about the procedure and the prohibition relating to attempts to restart or reenergize such machines or equipment. </span><br> <br> </td> </tr> <tr vAlign="top"> <td><span class="bodytext">(4)</span> </td> <td><span class="bodytext">When the employer's procedures permit the use of tagout, the training of authorized, affected, and other employees shall include the provisions of 29 CFR 1910.147(c)(7)(ii) and (d)(4)(iii). </span></td> </tr> </table> <p> </li> <li><span class="bodytext">Evaluate the employer's manner of enforcing the program (29 CFR 1910.147 (c)(4)(ii)). </span></li> </ol> <p> </li> <li><span class="bodytext">In the event that deficiencies are identified by following the guidelines in H.3. of this instruction, the compliance officer shall evaluate the employer's compliance with specific requirements of the standard, with particular attention to the interpretive guidance provided in section I. and to the following: </span> <ol type="a"> <p> </p> <li><span class="bodytext">Evaluate compliance with the requirements for periodic inspection of procedures. </span> <p> </li> <li><span class="bodytext">Ensure that the person performing the periodic inspection is an authorized employee other than the one(s) utilizing the procedure being inspected. </span> <p> </li> <li><span class="bodytext">Evaluate compliance with retraining requirements which result from the periodic inspection of procedures and practices, or from changes in equipment/processes. </span> <p> </li> <li><span class="bodytext">Evaluate the employer's procedures for assessment, and correction of deviations of inadequacies identified during periodic inspections of the energy control procedure. </span> <p> </li> <li><span class="bodytext">Identify the procedures for release from lockout/tagout, including: </span><br> <br> <table border="0"> <tr vAlign="top"> <td><span class="bodytext">(1)</span> </td> <td class="bodytext">Replacement of safeguards, machine or equipment inspection, and removal of non-essential tools and equipment; <br> <br> </td> </tr> <tr vAlign="top"> <td><span class="bodytext">(2)</span> </td> <td class="bodytext">Safe positioning of employees;<br> <br> </td> </tr> <tr vAlign="top"> <td class="bodytext">(3)</td> <td class="bodytext">Removal of lockout/tagout device(s); and <br> <br> </td> </tr> <tr vAlign="top"> <td class="bodytext">(4)</td> <td class="bodytext">Notification of affected employees that servicing and maintenance is completed.</td> </tr> </table> <p> </li> <li><span class="bodytext">Ensure that when group lockout or tagout is used, it affords a level of protection equivalent to individual lockout or tagout as amplified in I.7. through I.9. of this instruction. </span></li> </ol> <p> </li> <li><span class="bodytext">The lockout/tagout standard is a performance standard; therefore, additional guidance is provided in Appendix C of this instruction to assist in effective implementation by employers and for uniform enforcement by OSHA field staff. </span> </li> </ol> <p> </li> <li><span class="bodytext">Interpretive Guidance. The following guidance relative to specific provisions of 29 CFR 1910.147 is provided to assist compliance officers in conducting inspections where the standard may be applicable: </span> <ol> <p> </p> <li><span class="bodytext">Scope of the Standard. </span> <ol type="a"> <p> </p> <li><span class="bodytext">The standard as specified in 29 CFR 1910.147(b), applies to any source of mechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic, chemical, thermal, or other energy. </span><br> <br> <table border="0"> <tr vAlign="top"> <td class="bodytext">(1)</td> <td class="bodytext">The standard applies to piping systems, and requires, at 29 CFR 1910.147(d)(5), that all potentially hazardous stored or residual energy be relieved, disconnected, restrained, and otherwise rendered safe. If there is a possibility of reaccumulation of stored energy to a hazardous level, continued monitoring shall be performed while a potential hazard exists.<br> <br> </td> </tr> <tr vAlign="top"> <td class="bodytext">(2)</td> <td class="bodytext">The standard also applies to high intensity electromagnetic fields regulated at 29 CFR 1910.97, nonionizing radiation. Such electromagnetic devices shall be deenergized and held off whenever workers are present within a high intensity ambient field.<br> <br> </td> </tr> <tr vAlign="top"> <td class="bodytext">(3)</td> <td class="bodytext">Servicing/maintenance of fire alarm and extinguishing systems and their components, upon which other employees are dependent for fire safety, are not required to meet the requirements of this standard if the workers performing servicing/maintenance upon fire extinguishing systems are protected from hazards related to the unexpected release of hazardous energy by appropriate alternative measures. (See 29 CFR 1910, Subpart L.)</td> </tr> </table> <p> </li> <li><span class="bodytext">The standard does not apply to servicing and maintenance when employees are not exposed to the unexpected released of hazardous energy. </span> <p> </li> <li><span class="bodytext">Safeguarding workers from the hazards of contacting electrically live parts (exposure to electric current) continues to be regulated at Subpart S. </span> <p> </li> <li><span class="bodytext">Servicing and maintenance functions conducted during normal production operations are not regulated at 29 CFR 1910.147 if the safeguarding provisions of Subpart O or other applicable portions of 29 CFR 1910 prevent worker exposure to hazards created by the unexpected energization or start-up of the machine or equipment. However, lockout/tagout procedures are required if the production safeguards are rendered ineffective while an employee is exposed to hazardous portions of the machines or equipment. </span> <p> </li> <li><span class="bodytext">Generally, activities such as lubrication, cleaning or unjamming, servicing of machines or equipment, and making adjustments or tool changes, where the employee may be exposed to the UNEXPECTED energization or start-up of the equipment or release of hazardous energy, are covered by this standard. However, minor tool changes and adjustments, and other minor servicing activities, which take place during normal production operations, are not covered by this standard if they are routine, repetitive, and integral to the use of equipment for production, and if work is performed using alternative protective measures which provide effective employee protection. Thus, lockout or tagout is not required by this standard if the alternative protective measures enable the servicing employee to clean or unjam, or otherwise service the machine without being exposed to unexpected energization or activation of the equipment, or the release of stored energy. </span> <p><span class="bodytext">NOTE: Appendix C, section A, provides further guidance in this area. </span></p> <p> </li> <li><span class="bodytext">The exclusion of plug and cord connected electric equipment, at 29 CFR 1910.147(a)(2)(iii)(A), applies only when the equipment is unplugged and the plug is under the exclusive control of the employee performing the servicing and/or maintenance. </span><br> <br> <table border="0"> <tr vAlign="top"> <td class="bodytext">(1)</td> <td class="bodytext">The plug is under the exclusive control of the employee if it is physically in the possession of the employee, or in arm's reach and in line of sight of the employee, or if the employee has affixed a lockout/tagout device on the plug.<br> <br> </td> </tr> <tr vAlign="top"> <td class="bodytext">(2)</td> <td class="bodytext">The company lockout/tagout procedures required by the standard at 29 CFR 1910.147(c)(4) shall specify the acceptable procedure for handling cord and plug connected equipment. </td> </tr> </table> </li> </ol> <p> </li> <li><span class="bodytext">Procedures. </span> <ol type="a"> <p> </p> <li><span class="bodytext">The employer must develop and document procedures and techniques to be used for the control of hazardous energy. The standard, at 29 CFR 1910.147(c)(4)(i) "Note," identifies eight (8) conditions that must exist in order to excuse the employer's obligation to maintain a written procedure for a specific machine or piece of equipment. </span> <p> </li> <li><span class="bodytext">29 CFR 1910.147(d)(3) and (d)(5) provide that energy isolation be a mandatory part of employer's control procedure where either a lockout system or a tagout system is used. </span> <p> </li> <li><span class="bodytext">Similar machines and/or equipment (such as those using the same type and magnitude of energy and the same or similar types of controls) can be covered with a single written procedure. </span></li> </ol> <p> </li> <li><span class="bodytext">Lockout vs. Tagout. </span> <ol type="a"> <p> </p> <li><span class="bodytext">OSHA has determined that lockout is a surer means of ensuring deenergization of equipment than tagout, and that it is the preferred method. </span> <p> </li> <li><span class="bodytext">29 CFR 1910.147(c)(3)(ii) provides that: When using a tagout program in those instances where the equipment is capable of being locked out, the employer shall demonstrate that the tagout program will provide a level of safety equivalent to the obtained when using a lockout program. Additional means beyond those necessary for lockout are required. (Additional means include: additional safety measures such as the removal of an isolating circuit element, blocking of a controlling switch, opening of an extra disconnecting device, or the removal of a valve handle to reduce the likelihood of inadvertent energization.) </span> <p> </li> <li><span class="bodytext">29 CFR 1910.147(c)(4)(ii) provides that: Where lockout/tagout programs are used, the employer is required to implement an effective means of enforcing the program. </span> <p> </li> <li><span class="bodytext">29 CFR 1910.147(c)(7)(ii)(A-F) provide that: Additional training of authorized, affected and other employees is required when tagout programs are used. </span> <p> </li> <li><span class="bodytext">29 CFR 1910.147(c)(5)(ii)(A) requires that lockout and tagout devices be capable of withstanding the environment to which they are exposed. Devices which are not exposed to harsh environments need not be capable of withstanding such exposure. </span> <p> </li> <li><span class="bodytext">29 CFR 1910.147(c)(5)(ii)(C)(2) requires that tagout devices having reusable, non-locking, easily detachable means of attachment (such as string, cord, or adhesive) are not permitted. </span></li> </ol> <p> </li> <li><span class="bodytext">Employees and Training. </span> <ol type="a"> <p> </p> <li><span class="bodytext">The standard recognized three types of employees: (1)"authorized" and (2)"affected", defined in 1910.147 (b), and (3)"other", defined in 1910.147(c)(7)(ii)(C). Different levels of training are required based upon the respective roles of employees in the control of energy and the knowledge which they must possess to accomplish their tasks safely and to ensure the safety of fellow workers as related to the lockout/tagout procedures (1910.147(c)(7)(i)). </span> <p> </li> <li><span class="bodytext">Employees who exclusively perform functions related to normal production operations, and who perform servicing and/or maintenance under the protection of normal machine safeguarding, need only be trained as "affected" (rather than "authorized") employees even if tagout procedures are used. (See, I.1.d. and I.1.e. of this instruction.) </span> <p> </li> <li><span class="bodytext">The employer's training program must cover, at a minimum, the following three areas: energy control program, elements of energy control procedures relevant to employee duties, and the pertinent requirements of the standard (1910.147(c)(7) and (d) through (f)). </span> <p> </li> <li><span class="bodytext">The employer must provide: </span><br> <br> <table border="0"> <tr vAlign="top"> <td class="bodytext">(1)</td> <td class="bodytext">Effective initial training;<br> <br> </td> </tr> <tr vAlign="top"> <td class="bodytext">(2)</td> <td class="bodytext">Effective retraining as needed; and<br> <br> </td> </tr> <tr vAlign="top"> <td class="bodytext">(3)</td> <td class="bodytext">Certification of training. The certification shall contain each employee's name and dates of training (1910.147(c)(7)iv)). </td> </tr> </table> <p><span class="bodytext"></li> <li>Retraining of authorized and affected employees is required: <br> <br> <table border="0"> <tr vAlign="top"> <td class="bodytext">(1)</td> <td class="bodytext">Whenever there is a change in employee job assignments;<br> <br> </td> </tr> <tr vAlign="top"> <td class="bodytext">(2)</td> <td class="bodytext">Whenever a new hazard is introduced due to a change in machines, equipment or process;<br> <br> </td> </tr> <tr vAlign="top"> <td class="bodytext">(3)</td> <td class="bodytext">Whenever there is a change in the energy control procedures; or<br> <br> </td> </tr> <tr vAlign="top"> <td class="bodytext">(4)</td> <td class="bodytext">Whenever a periodic inspection by the employer reveals inadequacies in the company procedures or in the knowledge of the employees.</td> </tr> </table> </span></li> </ol> <p><span class="bodytext"></li> <li>Periodic Inspection by the Employer <ol type="a"> <p> </p> <li>At least annually, the employer shall ensure that an authorized employee other than the one(s) utilizing the energy control procedure being inspected, is required to inspect and verify the effectiveness of the company energy control procedures. These inspections shall at least provide for a demonstration of the procedures and may be implemented through random audits and planned visual observations. These inspections are intended to ensure that the energy control procedures are being properly implemented and to provide an essential check on the continued utilization of the procedures (29 CFR 1910.147(c)(6)(i)). <br> <br> <table border="0"> <tr vAlign="top"> <td class="bodytext">(1)</td> <td class="bodytext">When lockout is used, the employer's inspection shall include a review of the responsibilities of each authorized employee implementing the procedure with that employee. Group meetings between the authorized employee who is performing the inspection and all authorized employees who implement the procedure would constitute compliance with this requirement.<br> <br> </td> </tr> <tr vAlign="top"> <td class="bodytext">(2)</td> <td class="bodytext">When tagout is used, the employer shall conduct this review with each affected and authorized employee.<br> <br> </td> </tr> <tr vAlign="top"> <td class="bodytext">(3)</td> <td class="bodytext">Energy control procedures used less frequently than once a year need be inspected only when used.</td> </tr> </table> <p> </li> <li>The periodic inspection must provide for and ensure effective correction of identified deficiencies (29 CFR 1910.147(c)(6)(i)(B)). <p> </li> <li>The employer is required to certify that the prescribed periodic inspections have been performed (29 CFR 1910.147(c)(6)(ii)). </li> </ol> <p> </li> <li>Equipment Testing or Positioning. Under 29 CFR 1910.147(f)(1), OSHA allows the temporary removal of lockout or tagout devices and the reenergization of the machine or equipment ONLY during the limited time necessary for the testing or positioning of machines, equipment or components. After the completion of the temporary reenergization, the authorized employees shall again deenergize the equipment and resume lockout/tagout procedures. <p> </li> <li>Group Lockout/Tagout. Group lockout/tagout procedures shall be tailored to the specific industrial operation and may be unique in the manner that employee protection from the release of hazardous energy is achieved. Irrespective of the situation, the requirements of this generic standard specify that each employee performing maintenance or servicing activities shall be in control of hazardous energy during his/her period of exposure. <ol type="a"> <p> </p> <li>Group operations normally require that a lockout/tagout program be implemented which ensures that each authorized employee is protected from the unexpected release of hazardous energy by his/her personal lockout/tagout device(s). No employee may affix the personal lockout/tagout device of another employee. Various group lockout/tagout procedures discussed in Appendix C provide for each authorized employee's use of his/her personal lockout/tagout device(s). <p> </li> <li>One of the most difficult problems addressed by the standard involves the servicing and maintenance of complex equipment. Such equipment is frequently used in the petrochemical and chemical industries. Acceptable group lockout/tagout procedures for complex equipment are discussed further at Appendix C. </li> </ol> <p> </li> <li>Compliance with Group Lockout/Tagout. These operations shall, at a minimum, provide for the following: <ol type="a"> <p> </p> <li>Before the machine or equipment is shut down, each authorized employee who is to be involved during the servicing/maintenance operation shall be made aware by the employer of the type, magnitude, and hazards related to the energy to be controlled and of the method or means to control the energy. In the event that the machine or equipment is already shut down, the authorized employee shall be made aware of these elements before beginning his/her work (29 CFR 1910.147(d)(1)). Verification shall be performed as noted at I.8.f. of this instruction. <p> </li> <li>An orderly shutdown of the machine or equipment shall be conducted which conforms to the documented company procedure and which will not create hazards (29 CFR 1910.147(d)(2)). <p> </li> <li>All energy isolating devices needed to isolate the machine or equipment shall be effectively positioned and/or installed (29 CFR 1910.147 (d)(3)). <p> </li> <li>The authorized employee(s) performing the servicing or maintenance (following the company procedure) shall personally affix a lock or tag upon each energy isolating device (29 CFR 1910.147(d)(4)(i). The company procedure must ensure that no employee affixes a personal lockout/tagout device for another employee. <br> <br> <table border="0"> <tr vAlign="top"> <td class="bodytext">(1)</td> <td class="bodytext">A single lock upon each energy isolating device, together with the use of a lockbox for retention of the keys and to which each authorized employee affixes his/her personal lock or tag, also satisfies the requirement (29 CFR 1910.147(f)(3)(i)).<br> <br> </td> </tr> <tr vAlign="top"> <td class="bodytext">(2)</td> <td class="bodytext">Locks shall be affixed in a manner that will hold the energy isolating device in a safe (off) position (29 CFR 1910.147(d)(4)(ii)).<br> <br> </td> </tr> <tr vAlign="top"> <td class="bodytext">(3)</td> <td class="bodytext">Tagout devices, where used, shall be affixed at the same location as would a lock if such fittings are provided, or shall be affixed in a manner that will clearly indicate that movement of the isolating device is prohibited (29 CFR 1910.147(d)(4)(iii)).</td> </tr> </table> <p> </li> <li>Following the application of locks or tags, all potentially hazardous stored energy or residual energy shall be relieved, disconnected, restrained, and otherwise rendered safe (29 CFR 1910.147(d)(5)(i)). <br> <br> <table border="0"> <tr vAlign="top"> <td class="bodytext">(1)</td> <td class="bodytext">Verification of energy isolation shall be monitored as frequently as necessary if there is a possibility of reaccumulation of stored energy (29 CFR 1910.147(d)(5)(ii)).<br> <br> </td> </tr> <tr vAlign="top"> <td class="bodytext">(2)</td> <td class="bodytext">Monitoring may be accomplished, for example, by observation or with the aid of a monitoring device which will sound an alarm if a hazardous energy level is being approached.</td> </tr> </table> <p> </li> <li>Authorized employees shall verify that isolation and deenergization have been effectively accomplished before starting servicing/maintenance work. Verification is also necessary by each group of workers before starting work at shift changes. <p> </li> <li>Release from lockout/tagout shall be accomplished in compliance with the requirements at 29 CFR 1910.147(e). <br> <table border="0"> <tr vAlign="top"> <td class="bodytext">(1)</td> <td class="bodytext">The machine or equipment area shall be cleared of nonessential items to prevent malfunctions which could result in employee injuries 29 CFR 1910.147(e)(1)).<br> <br> </td> </tr> <tr vAlign="top"> <td class="bodytext">(2)</td> <td class="bodytext">The authorized employees shall remove their respective locks or tags from the energy isolating devices or from the group lock-box(s) following the procedure established by the company (29 CFR 1910.147(e)(3)).<br> <br> </td> </tr> <tr vAlign="top"> <td class="bodytext">(3)</td> <td class="bodytext">In all instances, the company procedure must provide a system which identifies each authorized employee involved in the servicing/maintenance operation.<br> <br> </td> </tr> <tr vAlign="top"> <td class="bodytext">(4)</td> <td class="bodytext">Before reenergization, all employees in the machine or equipment area shall be safely positioned or moved from the area, and the affected employees shall be notified that the lockout/tagout devices have been removed (29 CFR 1910.147(e)(2)).</td> </tr> </table> <p> </li> <li>During all group lockout/tagout operations where the release of hazardous energy is possible, each authorized employee performing servicing or maintenance shall be protected by his/her personal lockout or tagout device and by the company procedure. As described at Appendix C, B.1.g., a master tag is a personal tagout device if each employee personally signs on and signs off on it and if the tag clearly identifies each authorized employee who is being protected by it. </li> </ol> <p> </li> <li>Compliance of Outside Personnel. Outside servicing and maintenance personnel (contractors, etc.) engaged in activities regulated under 29 CFR 1910.147 are subject to the requirements of that standard. <ol type="a"> <p> </p> <li>The CSHO shall verify that the outside employer and the on-site employer have exchanged information regarding the lockout/tagout energy control procedures used by each employer's workers (29 CFR 1910.147(f)(2)(i)). <p> </li> <li>The CSHO shall verify that the on-site employer has effectively informed his/her personnel of the restrictions and prohibitions associated with the outside employer's energy control procedures (29 CFR 1910.147(f)(2)(ii)). <p> </li> <li>When an outside employer is engaged in servicing and maintenance activities within an on-site employer's facility and if that contractor's activities are subject to the requirements of 29 CFR 1910.147, the CSHO shall coordinate with the Area Director to obtain permission to initiate an independent inspection of the outside contractor's activities. </li> </ol> <p> </li> <li>Appendix B contains an example of a functional flow diagram to implement safe lockout/tagout procedures. This flow diagram is presented solely as an aid and does not constitute the exclusive or definitive means of complying with the standard in any particular situation. </li> </ol> <p> </li> <li>Classification of Violations. <ol> <p> </p> <li>A deficiency in the employer's energy control program and/or procedure that could contribute to a potential exposure capable of producing serious physical harm or death shall be cited as a serious violation. <p> </li> <li>The failure to train "authorized", "affected", and "other" employees as required for their respective classifications should normally be cited as a serious violation. <p> </li> <li>Paperwork deficiencies in lockout/tagout programs where effective lockout/tagout work procedures are in place shall be cited as other-than-serious. <br> <br> </li> </ol> </li> <li>Evaluation. In keeping with agency policy, each Region shall evaluate the effectiveness of the guidance in this instruction annually. Each Regional Administrator shall submit a written evaluation report to the Directorate of Compliance Programs within 30 days of the close of the fiscal year. </li> </ol> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p>Gerard F. Scannell<br> Assistant Secretary <br> <br> </p> <table width="330" border="0"> <tr vAlign="top"> <td><span class="bodytext">DISTRIBUTION: </span></td> <td><span class="bodytext">National, Regional, and Area Offices<br> All Compliance Officers<br> State Designees<br> NIOSH Regional Program Directors<br> 7(c)(1) Consultation Project Managers<br> OSHA Training Institute </span></td> </tr> </table> <p> </p> <p> </p> <hr> <p align="center">Appendix A </p> <p>The following listing indicates a number of OSHA standards which currently impose lockout/tagout related requirements. The list does not necessarily include all lockout/tagout related OSHA 29 CFR 1910 standards. </p> <p>Powered Industrial Trucks </p> <blockquote> <p>1910.178(q)(4) </p> </blockquote> <p>Overhead and Gantry Cranes </p> <blockquote> <p>1910.179(g)(5)(i), (ii), (iii)<br> 1910.179(1)(2)(i)(c), (d) </p> </blockquote> <p>Derricks </p> <blockquote> <p>1910.181(f)(2)(i)(c), (d) </p> </blockquote> <p>Woodworking Machinery </p> <blockquote> <p>1910.213(a)(10)<br> 1910.213(b)(5) </p> </blockquote> <p>Mechanical Power Presses </p> <blockquote> <p>1910.217(b)(8)(i)<br> 1910.217(d)(9)(iv) </p> </blockquote> <p>Forging Machines </p> <blockquote> <p>1910.218(a)(3)(iii), (iv)<br> 1910.218(d)(2)<br> 1910.218(e)(1)(ii), (iii)<br> 1910.218(f)(1)(i), (ii), (iii)<br> 1910.218(f)(2)(i), (ii)<br> 1910.218(h)(2), (5)<br> 1910.218(i)(1), (2)<br> 1910.218(j)(1) </p> </blockquote> <p>Welding, Cutting and Brazing </p> <blockquote> <p>1910.252(c)(1)(i) </p> </blockquote> <p>Pulp, Paper and Paperboard Mills </p> <blockquote> <p>1910.261(b)(4)<br> 1910.261(f)(6)(i)<br> 1910.261(g)(15)(i)<br> 1910.261(g)(19)(iii)<br> 1910.261(j)(4)(iii)<br> 1910.261(j)(5)(iii)<br> 1910.261(k)(2)(ii) </p> </blockquote> <p>Textiles </p> <blockquote> <p>1910.262(c)(1)<br> 1910.262(n)(2)<br> 1910.262(p)(1)<br> 1910.262(q)(2) </p> </blockquote> <p>Bakery Equipment </p> <blockquote> <p>1910.263(l)(3)(iii)(b), 1910.263(l)(8)(iii) </p> </blockquote> <p>Sawmills </p> <blockquote> <p>1910.265(c)(12)(v), 1910.265(c)(13), 1910.265(c)(26)(v) </p> </blockquote> <p>Grain Handling </p> <blockquote> <p>1910.272(e)(1)(ii)<br> 1910.272(g)(1)(ii)<br> 1910.272(l)(4) </p> </blockquote> <p>Electrical </p> <blockquote> <p>1910.305(j)(4)(ii)(A), 1910.305(j)(4)(ii)(c)(1) </p> </blockquote> </span></td> </tr> </table> </center> </div> <hr> <table width="515" border="0"> <tr> <td> <p align="center">Appendix B </p> <p><span class="bodytext">This flow diagram does not constitute the exclusive or definitive means of complying with the standard in any particular situation and is presented solely as an aid. </span></p> <p><span class="bodytext">EXAMPLE - FUNCTIONAL FLOW DIAGRAM FOR IMPLEMENTATION OF LOCKOUT/TAGOUT REQUIREMENTS </span></p> <pre> __________________________________________________________________ </pre> <p>CONDUCT MACHINE/PROCESS DEVELOP DOCUMENTED HAZARD ANALYSIS _________ LOCKOUT/TAGOUT PROCEDURE ^ | | V ____________________| DEVELOP TRAINING PROGRAM | __________________________ |_________________________ | V V V |PROVIDE TRAINING TO PROVIDE DETAILED TRAINING PROVIDE TRAINING TO | AFFECTED EMPLOYEES TO AUTHORIZED EMPLOYEES ALL OTHER EMPLOYEES | | | V | ASSIGN MAINT./SERVICE | TASK TO | AUTHORIZED EMPLOYEES | | | V | ___________________________ AND | | | | V V | CONSULT COMPANY NOTIFY AFFECTED | PROCEDURES DOCUMENT EMPLOYEE(S) OF | | MAINT./SERVICE OPS | | | | IDENTIFY | | ENERGY ISOLATING DEVICES | | | | IDENTIFY & OBTAIN | |_______________ LOCKOUT/TAGOUT | DEVICES | | | V __________________________ | ___________AND/OR__________ | | | | | | V V | | DEACTIVATE & DEACTIVATE & | | TAGOUT LOCKOUT | | |_________________________| | | | | | V | | VERIFY HAZARDOUS | | ENERGY CONTROLLED | | | | |__ HAZARDOUS ENERGY __________ OR | NOT CONTROLLED | | V | PERFORM TASK | | | V | RETRIEVE TOOLS & EQUIPMENT | | | V | VERIFY PERSONNEL | CLEAR AND ACCOUNTED FOR | | | V | REMOVE LOCKOUT/TAGOUT | DEVICES | | | V | NOTIFY AFFECTED | EMPLOYEES | | | V | RETURN CUSTODY OF RESTORE POWER & PROBLEM EQUIPMENT __________ VERIFY OPS ___________ IDENTIFIED </p> <p>TO AFFECTED EMPLOYEE(S) </p> <pre> </pre> <hr> <p align="center"><span class="bodytext">Appendix C </span></p> <p><span class="bodytext">This appendix provides guidelines to assist the compliance officer during evaluations of employer operations. </span></p> <ol type="A"> <p> </p> <li><span class="bodytext">Normal Production Operations. The lockout/tagout standard, 29 CFR 1910.147, addresses the safety of employees engaged in servicing and maintenance activities in general industry workplaces. The standard complements the requirements for machine and process operator safety prescribed by the various general industry standards in 29 CFR Part 1910. Subpart O of 29 CFR 1910 provides the principal, though not exclusive, machine guarding requirements. </span> <ol> <p> </p> <li><span class="bodytext">Safeguarding of servicing and maintenance workers can be ensured either by: </span> <ol type="a"> <p> </p> <li><span class="bodytext">Effective machine safeguarding in compliance with Subpart O, or </span> <p><span class="bodytext"></li> <li>Compliance with 29 CFR 1910.147 in situations where the normal production operations safeguards are rendered ineffective or do not protect the servicing/maintenance worker. </span></li> </ol> <p> </li> <li><span class="bodytext">Activities which are routine, repetitive, and integral to the use of equipment for production are not covered by this standard if alternative measures provide effective worker protection from hazards associated with unexpected energization. Compliance with the machine guarding requirements of Subpart O is an example of such alternative measures. In addition, supplemental personal protective equipment may be necessary during a servicing or maintenance operation when a toxic substance is to be isolated. Under such circumstances, the requirements of applicable standards, such as 29 CFR 1910.134 and Subpart Z, also must be met. </span> <p> </li> <li><span class="bodytext">An employer who requires employees to perform routine maintenance and/or servicing while a machine or process is operating in the production mode, must provide employee safeguarding under the applicable requirements of Subpart O. (Ref. 29 CFR 1910.212(a)(1)). Operations such as lubricating, draining sumps, servicing of filters, and inspection for leaks and/or mechanical malfunction are examples of routine operations which can be accomplished with effective production-mode safeguards. However, the replacement of machine or process equipment components such as valves, gauges, linkages, support structure, etc., is not considered to be normal routine maintenance function which can safely be accomplished during machine or process equipment operation. Such maintenance requires energy isolation and should be evaluated by OSHA field staff. They also may be an appropriate subject of a variance request. </span> <p><span class="bodytext"></li> <li>Several alternative means of safeguarding the hazardous portions of machines and equipment are presented by the national consensus standard, ANSI B11.19-1990. Although that standard is not all inclusive, it describes effective safeguarding alternatives for the protection of employees. The safeguards describe include: interlocked barrier guards, presence sensing devices and various devices under the exclusive control of the employee. Such devices or guards, properly applied, may be used in clearing minor jams and performing other minor servicing functions which occur during normal production operations and which meet the criteria described in paragraph A.2. of this appendix. </span></li> </ol> <p> </li> <li><span class="bodytext">Group Lockout/Tagout. The group lockout/tagout procedures described in this instruction at paragraph I.8. require each authorized employee to be in control of potentially hazardous energy release during their servicing/maintenance work assignments. Under most circumstances, where servicing/maintenance is to be conducted during only one shift by an individual or a small number of persons working together, the installation of each individual's lockout/tagout device upon each energy isolating device would not be a burdensome procedure. However, when many energy sources or many persons are involved, and/or the procedure is to extend over more than one shift, (possibly several days, or weeks) consideration must be given to the implementation of a lockout/tagout procedure that will ensure the safety of the employees involved and will provide for each individual's control of the energy hazards. The following procedures are presented as examples to illustrate the implementation of a group lockout/tagout procedure involving many energy isolating devices and/or many servicing/maintenance personnel. They illustrate several alternatives for having authorized employees affix personal lockout/tagout devices in a group lockout/tagout setting. These examples are not intended to represent the only acceptable procedures for conducting group operations. </span> <ol> <p> </p> <li><span class="bodytext">Definitions. Various terms used in the examples are defined below. </span> <ol type="a"> <p> </p> <li><span class="bodytext">PRIMARY AUTHORIZED EMPLOYEE is the authorized employee who exercises overall responsibility for adherence to the company lockout/tagout procedure. (See 29 CFR 1910.147(f)(3)(ii)(A).) </span> <p> </li> <li><span class="bodytext">PRINCIPAL AUTHORIZED EMPLOYEE is an authorized employee who oversees or leads a group of servicing/maintenance workers (e.g., plumbers, carpenters, electricians, metal workers, mechanics). </span> <p> </li> <li><span class="bodytext">JOB-LOCK is a device used to ensure the continuity of energy isolation during a multi-shift operation. It is placed upon a lock-box. A key to the job-lock is controlled by each assigned primary authorized employee from each shift. </span> <p> </li> <li><span class="bodytext">JOB-TAG with TAB is a special tag for tagout of energy isolating devices during group lockout/tagout procedures. The tab of the tag is removed for insertion into the lock-box. The company procedure would require that the tagout job-tag cannot be removed until the tab is rejoined to it. </span> <p> </li> <li><span class="bodytext">MASTER LOCKBOX is the lockbox into which all keys and tabs from the lockout or tagout devices securing the machine or equipment are inserted and which would be secured by a "job-lock" during multi-shift operations. </span> <p> </li> <li><span class="bodytext">SATELLITE LOCKBOX is a secondary lockbox or lock-boxes to which each authorized employee affixes his/her personal lock or tag. </span> <p> </li> <li><span class="bodytext">MASTER TAG is a document used as an administrative control and accountability device. This device is normally controlled by the operations department personnel and is a personal tagout device if each employee personally signs on and signs off on it and if the tag clearly identifies each authorized employee who is being protected by it. </span> <p><span class="bodytext"></li> <li>WORK PERMIT is a control document which authorizes specific tasks and procedures to be accomplished. </li> </ol> <p> </li> <li>Organization. A group lockout/tagout procedure might provide the following basic organizational structure: <ol type="a"> <p> </p> <li>A primary authorized employee would be designated. This employee would exercise primary responsibility for implementation and coordination of the lockout/tagout of hazardous energy sources, for the equipment to be serviced. <p> </li> <li>The primary authorized employee would coordinate with equipment operators before and after completion of servicing and maintenance operations which require lockout/tagout. <p> </li> <li>A verification system would be implemented to ensure the continued isolation and deenergization of hazardous energy sources during maintenance and servicing operations. <p> </li> <li>Each authorized employee would be assured of his/her right to verify individually that the hazardous energy has been isolated and/or deenergized. <p> </li> <li>When more than one crew, craft, department, etc., is involved, each separate group of servicing/ maintenance personnel would be accounted for by a principal authorized employee from each group. Each principal employee is responsible to the primary authorized employee for maintaining accountability of each worker in that specific group in conformance with the company procedure. No person may sign on or sign off for another person, or attach or remove another person's lockout/tagout device, unless the provisions of the exception to 29 CFR 1910.147(e)(3) are met. </li> </ol> <p> </li> <li>Examples of Procedures for Group Lockout/Tagout. Examples are presented for the various methods of lockout/tagout using lockbox procedures. An example of an applicable method for complex process equipment is also presented. <ol type="a"> <p> </p> <li>The following procedures address circumstances ranging from a small group of servicing/ maintenance employees during a one-shift operation to a comprehensive operation involving many over a longer period. <br> <br> <table border="0"> <tr vAlign="top"> <td class="bodytext">(1)</td> <td class="bodytext">Type A. Each authorized employee places his/her personal lock or tag upon each energy isolating device and removes it upon departure from that assignment. Each authorized employee verifies or observes the deenergization of the equipment.<br> <br> </td> </tr> <tr vAlign="top"> <td class="bodytext">(2)</td> <td class="bodytext">Type B. Under a lockbox procedure, a lock or job-tag with tab is placed upon each energy isolation device after deenergization. The key(s) and removed tab(s) are then placed into a lockbox. Each authorized employee assigned to the job then affixes his/her personal lock or tag to the lockbox. As a member of a group, each assigned authorized employee verifies that all hazardous energy has been rendered safe. The lockout/tagout devices cannot be removed or the energy isolating device turned on until the appropriate key or tab is matched to its lock or tag.<br> <br> </td> </tr> <tr vAlign="top"> <td class="bodytext">(3)</td> <td class="bodytext">Type C. After each energy isolating device is locked/tagged out and the keys/tabs placed into a master lockbox, each servicing/maintenance group "principal" authorized employee places his/her personal lock or tag upon the master lockbox. Then each principal authorized employee inserts his/her key into a satellite lockbox to which each authorized employee in that specific group affixes his/her personal lock or tag. As a member of a group, each assigned authorized employee verifies that all hazardous energy has been rendered safe. Only after the servicing/maintenance functions of the specific subgroup have been concluded and the personal locks or tags of the respective employees have been removed from the satellite lockbox can the principal authorized employee remove his/her lock from the master lockbox.<br> <br> </td> </tr> <tr vAlign="top"> <td class="bodytext">(4)</td> <td class="bodytext">Type D. During operations to be conducted over more than one shift (or even many days or weeks) a system such as described here might be used. Single locks/tags are affixed upon a lockbox by each authorized employee as described at Type B or Type C above. The master lockbox is first secured with a job-lock before subsequent locks by the principal authorized employees are put in place on the master lockbox. The job-lock may have multiple keys if they are in the sole possession of the various primary authorized employees (one on each shift). As a member of a group, each assigned authorized employee verifies that all hazardous energy has been rendered safe. In this manner, the security provisions of the energy control system are maintained across shift changes while permitting reenergization of the equipment at any appropriate time or shift.</td> </tr> </table> <p> </li> <li>Normal group lockout/tagout procedures require the affixing of individual lockout/tagout devices by each authorized employee to a group lockout device, as discussed in paragraph B.3.a. of this appendix. However, in the servicing and maintenance of sophisticated and complex equipment, such as process equipment in petroleum refining, petroleum production, and chemical production, there may be a need for adaptation and modification of normal group lockout/tagout procedures in order to ensure the safety of the employees performing the servicing and maintenance. To provide greater worker safety through implementation of a more feasible system, and to accommodate the special constraints of the standard's requirement for ensuring employees a level of protection equivalent to that provided by the use of a personal lockout or tagout device, an alternative procedure may be implemented if the company documentation justifies it. Lockout/ tagout, blanking, blocking, etc., is often supplemented in these situations by the use of work permits and a system of continuous worker accountability. In evaluating whether the equipment being serviced or maintained is so complex as to necessitate a departure from the normal group lockout/tagout procedures (discussed in paragraph B.3.a.), to the use of an alternative procedure as set forth below, the following (often occurring simultaneously) are some of those which must be evaluated: physical size and extent of the equipment being serviced/maintained; the relative inaccessibility of the energy isolating devices; the number of employees performing the servicing/maintenance; the number of energy isolating devices to be locked/tagged out; and the interdependence and interrelationship of the components in the system or between different systems. <br> <br> <table border="0"> <tr vAlign="top"> <td class="bodytext">(1)</td> <td class="bodytext">Once the equipment is shut down and the hazardous energy has been controlled, maintenance/servicing personnel, together with operations personnel, must verify that the isolation of the equipment is effective. The workers may walk through the affected work area to verify isolation. If there is a potential for the release or reaccumulation of hazardous energy, verification ofisolation must be continued. The servicing/maintenance workers may further verify the effectiveness of the isolation by the procedures that are used in doing the work (e.g., using a bleeder valve to verify depressurization, flange-breaking techniques, etc.). Throughout the maintenance and/or servicing activity, operations personnel normally maintain control of the equipment. The use of the work permit or "master tag" system (with each employee personally signing on and signing off the job to ensure continual employee accountability and control), combined with verification of hazardous energy control, work procedures, and walk-through, is an acceptable approach to compliance with the group lockout/tagout and shift transfer provisions of the standard. (Note, B.1.g. of this appendix.) <br> <br> </td> </tr> <tr vAlign="top"> <td class="bodytext">(2)</td> <td class="bodytext">Specific issues related to the control of hazardous energy in complex process equipment are described below in a typical situation which could be found at any facility. This discussion is intended only as an example and is not anticipated to reflect operations at any specific facility. <br> <br> <table border="0"> <tr vAlign="top"> <td class="bodytext">(a)</td> <td class="bodytext">Complex process equipment which is scheduled for servicing/maintenance operations is generally identified by plant supervision. Plant supervision would issue specific work orders regarding the operations to be performed.<br> <br> </td> </tr> <tr vAlign="top"> <td class="bodytext">(b)</td> <td class="bodytext">In most instances where complex process equipment is to be serviced or maintained, the process equipment operators can be expected to conduct the shutdown procedure. This is generally due to their in-depth knowledge of the equipment and the need to conduct the shut-down procedure in a safe, economic and specific sequence.<br> <br> </td> </tr> <tr vAlign="top"> <td class="bodytext">(c)</td> <td class="bodytext">The operations personnel will normally prepare the equipment for lockout/tagout as they proceed and will identify the locations for blanks, blocks, etc., by placing "operations locks and/or tags" on the equipment. The operations personnel can be expected to isolate the hazardous energy, and drain and flush fluids from the process equipment following a standard procedure or a specific work permit procedure.<br> <br> </td> </tr> <tr vAlign="top"> <td class="bodytext">(d)</td> <td class="bodytext">Upon completion of shutdown, the operations personnel would review the intended job with the servicing and maintenance crew(s) and would ensure their full comprehension of the energy controls necessary to conduct the servicing or maintenance safely. During or immediately after the review of the job, the servicing and maintenance crews would install locks, tags and/or special isolating devices at previously identified equipment locations following the specified work permit procedure.<br> <br> </td> </tr> <tr vAlign="top"> <td class="bodytext">(e)</td> <td class="bodytext">Line openings necessary for the isolation of the equipment would normally be permitted only by special work permits issued by operations personnel. (Such line openings should be monitored by operations personnel as an added safety measure.)<br> <br> </td> </tr> <tr vAlign="top"> <td class="bodytext">(f)</td> <td class="bodytext">All of the previous steps should have been documented by a master system of accountability and retained at the primary equipment control station for the duration of the job. The master system of accountability may manifest itself as a Master Tag which is subsequently signed by all of the maintenance/servicing workers if they fully comprehend the details of the job and the energy isolation devices actuated or put in place. This signing by the respective workers further verifies that energy isolation training relative to this operation has been conducted. <br> <br> </td> </tr> <tr vAlign="top"> <td class="bodytext">(g)</td> <td class="bodytext">After the system has been rendered safe, the authorized employees verify energy controls as described in B.3.b.(1) of this appendix.<br> <br> </td> </tr> <tr vAlign="top"> <td class="bodytext">(h)</td> <td class="bodytext">Specific work functions are controlled by work permits which are issued for each shift. Each day each authorized employee assigned must sign in on the work permit at the time of arrival to the job and sign out at departure. Signature, date, and time for sign-in and sign-out would be recorded and retained by the applicable crew supervisor who upon completion of the permit requirements would return the permit to the operations supervisor. Work permits could extend beyond a single shift and may subsequently be the responsibility of several supervisors.<br> <br> </td> </tr> <tr vAlign="top"> <td class="bodytext">(i)</td> <td class="bodytext">Upon completion of the tasks required by the work permit, the authorized employees' names can be signed off the Master Tag by their supervisor once all employees have signed off the work permit. The work permit is then attached to the Master Tag. (Accountability of exposed workers is maintained.)<br> <br> </td> </tr> <tr vAlign="top"> <td class="bodytext">(j)</td> <td class="bodytext">As the work is completed by the various crews, the work permits and the accountability of personnel are reconciled jointly by the primary authorized employee and the operations supervisor.<br> <br> </td> </tr> <tr vAlign="top"> <td class="bodytext">(k)</td> <td class="bodytext">During the progress of the work, inspection audits are conducted.<br> <br> </td> </tr> <tr vAlign="top"> <td class="bodytext">(l)</td> <td class="bodytext">Upon completion of all work, the equipment is returned to the operations personnel after the maintenance and servicing crews have removed their locks, tags, and/or special isolating devices following the company procedure.<br> <br> </td> </tr> <tr vAlign="top"> <td class="bodytext">(m)</td> <td class="bodytext">At this time all authorized employees who were assigned to the tasks are again accounted for and verified to be clear from the equipment area.<br> <br> </td> </tr> <tr vAlign="top"> <td class="bodytext">(n)</td> <td class="bodytext">After the completion of the servicing/ maintenance work, operations personnel remove the tags originally placed to identify energy isolation.<br> <br> </td> </tr> <tr vAlign="top"> <td class="bodytext">(o)</td> <td class="bodytext">Operations personnel then begin check-out, verification and testing of the equipment prior to being returned to production service.</td> </tr> </table> </td> </tr> </table> <p> </li> <li>It should be noted that the purpose of the lockout/tagout standard is to reduce the likelihood of worker injuries and fatalities during servicing/maintenance operations. Therefore, when compliance officers inspect workplaces, they should evaluate the potential for employee exposure to the unexpected release of hazardous energy during servicing/maintenance operations. When a hazard is noted, the various requirements of the standard should be applied in a manner which will result in abatement of the hazardous circumstance. </li> </ol> </li> </ol> </li> </ol> </span></td> </tr> </table> </body> </html>