Lockout/Tagout Practices

DOE-STD-1030-96

In these facilities, lockout/tagout is more clearly a part of the overall program

for control of equipment and system status, and therefore must involve

operations personnel and supervision in the approval and implementation

process. Maintenance personnel are not normally trained in the requirements for

safe operation of the process systems, therefore maintenance personnel are not

normally authorized to operate facility equipment, except within the

requirements of specific maintenance procedures.

Lockout/tagout in centrally controlled facilities requires effective coordination

between operations and the personnel performing maintenance to ensure that

appropriate safety functions are maintained and that a safe work environment is

provided. Coordination is also required when a lockout/tagout in one facility

could affect systems or site utilities in another facility. Therefore, operations

managers should define system and process boundaries.

In some cases, operations may define equipment that can be turned over to

maintenance for all work-related activities, including lockout/tagout control. In

these cases maintenance must comply with all lockout/tagout requirements,

including documentation and restoring the equipment to operable condition.

Whether the lockout/tagout is performed by operations or maintenance

personnel, the process for approval and centralized control should be the same.

Many of the requirements for a centrally controlled lockout/tagout are similar to

those for an individual-controlled lockout/tagout. Requirements of both

programs are described in the following sections.

4.2.3

Lockout/Tagout Practices

Anyone involved with the lockout/tagout process, including preparing, placing,

verifying, or accepting a lockout/tagout must be aware of the requirements for

safely isolating hazardous energy or material sources (e.g., electrical circuits,

fluid lines, capacitors, material storage tanks). The following standard practices

should be supplemented by specific practices applicable to facility systems.

4.2.3.1 General Practices

A lockout/tagout must isolate all sources of energy or hazardous

materials that may cause personnel injury or equipment damage. For