Lockouts Keep Energy Under Control

Lockout is a procedure carried out prior to servicing or adjusting a machine.  The intent of lockout is to prevent injuries caused when the machine accidentally starts up while the repairs or adjustments are being made.

A lockout procedure will isolate the equipment from any source of power.  Locks are applied to switches, valves and other devices to prevent the machinery from moving.

It is imperative to follow your company’s specific procedures.  Some of the common steps include:

• Determine the sources of power, keeping in mind there may be more than one.
• Determine if locks can be applied, and what kind. 
• Turn off the equipment.
• Lock out all controls and switches.  The lock must hold them in the ‘off’ position.
• Test electrical circuits in the equipment to determine if they are all de-energized.
• Perform the necessary work on the machinery.

Carefully follow your company’s lockout procedures, and always respect someone else’s lock and tag.