Release and Removal of Lockout/Tagout

DOE-STD-1030-96

(Appendix A) is used, the requirement for independent verification should be

identified on Line [4].

4.5.2

Release and Removal of Lockout/Tagout

Like installation, release and removal of lockouts/tagouts have the potential to

significantly affect personnel and facility safety. Release refers mainly to

centrally controlled lockouts/tagouts. It ends the protection and permits the

operations organization to change or remove the boundary isolations. If a form

such as the sample Lockout/Tagout Record Sheet (Appendix A) is used, release

occurs when an individual or work group representative signs in Block [10] of

the form, removes any applicable individual/work-group locks (e.g., from a

group lockbox), and turns over keys for other affected locking devices (e.g.,

integral-lock control switches).

Removal of a lockout/ tagout restores the energy availability to the equipment

and returns the equipment to an operable condition, unless other current

lockouts/tagouts affect the same equipment. Placing components in an operable

condition when the lockout/tagout is removed does not mean placing them in

operation. For example, removing a lockout/tagout would restore a circuit

breaker to an operable condition, but would not close it; removal would restore

the operability of a motor-operated valve, but would not open the valve.

Approved operating procedures should be used for all operations, including

equipment and system startup and post-maintenance testing.

In centrally controlled facilities, the following additional steps should be

performed to ensure a safe release and removal of a lockout/tagout.

Prior to releasing a lockout/tagout, the individual or work group

representative should check that the machine or equipment is operationally

intact. It would not be safe to remove the lockout/tagout if further work

must be performed to make the equipment operational.

The individual or representative should check to see that all nonessential

items (e.g., tools, trash, etc.) have been removed from the work area.

Returning to the area to retrieve tools or materials after the lockout/tagout

has been released may be unsafe, and the area may be unsafe for operations

personnel if housekeeping is not completed.