Release and Removal of Lockout/Tagout

DOE-STD-1030-96

Only after all affected individuals and work group representatives have released

a lockout/tagout can the operations organization remove the tags (and locks, if

used) and place the equipment in an operable condition. The sequence for

removal of tags and the final position of tagged components should be specified

in the lockout/tagout procedure. As part of the restoration, the area should be

checked to ensure that:

The equipment is operationally intact, including all required guards and

interlocks.

Components within the lockout/tagout boundary are repositioned, if required,

to permit safe operations

Components that could cause automatic operation of a circuit breaker or a

motor- or air-operated valve when control power or pressure is restored are

in a position such that automatic operation will NOT occur during removal of

the lockout/tagout.

Prior to removal of a lockout/tagout, the person responsible for operation should

inform all affected personnel that the lockout/tagout is being removed and that

the equipment will be operational.

The responsible individual, supervisor or manager should account for all tags

prior to declaring the equipment operable and closing out the lockout/tagout.

One effective method is to have all tags returned to be individually verified and

destroyed or marked to prevent reuse. In some cases, such as tagouts that are

applied in contamination areas, it may not be practical to personally verify and

destroy the removed tags. Under such circumstances, alternative methods of

verification should be developed.

In facilities using individual-controlled lockout/tagout, the person who installed a

lock and tag should be the one to remove it. Each facility must develop specific

procedures to be followed for lockout/tagout removal when the individual is

unavailable, (e.g., has departed at the end of the shift). The appropriate

supervisor/manager should assume responsibility for verifying that the individual

is not available, authorizing the removal, and ensuring that the individual and all

other affected personnel are informed prior to resuming work at the facility.