Lockout/Tag out Implementation

DOE-STD-1030-96

4.2 Lockout/Tagout Implementation

Before implementing a lockout/tagout program, it is necessary to identify the method of

equipment control used within the facility. There are two approaches to equipment control,

individual-controlled and centrally controlled.

4.2.1

Individual-Controlled Lockout/Tagout

In some DOE facilities, individual workers operate equipment for the purpose of

producing, assembling, testing, or packaging components or products. The

equipment used may include milling machines, lathes, presses, test benches, and

other machines. Each worker may be responsible for operation and routine

maintenance of an individual piece of equipment.

For these workers, protection from hazardous energy sources simply means

preventing the power from being inadvertently or accidentally turned on while

they are performing the maintenance. The simplest and most effective method

for controlling the hazardous energy is the individual-controlled lockout/tagout.

Under an individual-controlled lockout/tagout, the individual worker is

responsible for taking all necessary actions to ensure personal safety and the

safety of others during the maintenance. To aid the worker, OSHA and DOE

Order 5480.19 require the following:

Locks will be used whenever possible to secure energy or hazardous material

isolating devices. New equipment and major equipment modifications will

be designed to permit the use of locks. Tags should be used to identify the

person who placed the lock and the purpose of the lock. If locks cannot be

used, installation of tagout devices is required.

Management should identify activities that require lockout/tagout. For each

activity requiring lockout/tagout, criteria should be provided to identify the

locations for locks and tags.