“Off” A Matter of Opinion

The only way to protect yourself against accidental start-up of a machine is to lock out and block all sources of hazardous energy. This includes electrical circuits, fluids in hydraulic or pneumatic systems, and any machinery parts, including springs under compression or tension.

Lockout/tagout refers to a set of procedures required by OSHA and other safety agencies to shut down equipment and isolate it from energy sources. This prevents the release of hazardous energy while machinery is receiving maintenance or service.

Lockout involves placing a lockout device (often a lock) over an energy-isolating device such as a circuit breaker or valve. This ensures equipment cannot be operated until the lockout device is removed. Tagout means placing a tag onto an energy-isolating device to warn others that it is locked out and may not be operated until the tag is removed by the person who has been trained and authorized to put it there.