A safety program for lockout/tagout should include the following key elements:
- Hazard assessment: Establish procedures for identifying all sources of hazardous energy and assessing the potential risks associated with them. This should include electrical, mechanical, pneumatic, hydraulic, and thermal sources.
- Equipment-specific procedures: Develop equipment-specific lockout/tagout procedures for each piece of equipment that is subject to lockout/tagout. These procedures should be developed in consultation with the manufacturer of the equipment and should be specific to the equipment and the hazards associated with it.
- Training: Provide training for all employees who are responsible for performing lockout/tagout procedures, as well as any other employees who may be affected by these procedures. Training should cover the proper procedures for locking out and tagging out equipment, the identification of hazardous energy sources, and the use of personal protective equipment.
- Written program: Develop and implement a written lockout/tagout program that includes procedures for identifying and controlling hazardous energy sources, as well as policies for enforcing the program and ensuring compliance.
- Inspections: Establish procedures for inspecting and testing lockout/tagout devices, as well as for maintaining and updating lockout/tagout procedures.
- Communication: Ensure that all affected employees are informed of the lockout/tagout procedures and that any changes to these procedures are communicated to them in a timely manner.
- Program evaluation: Regularly evaluate the effectiveness of the lockout/tagout program, including reviewing incident data and employee feedback. Use this information to make continuous improvements to the program.
By implementing a comprehensive lockout/tagout safety program that includes these elements, employers can ensure that their workers are well-trained and equipped to safely control hazardous energy sources. This can help to reduce the risk of accidents and injuries associated with this type of work, as well as improve the overall safety and health of the workplace. The program should be reviewed and updated regularly to ensure that it remains effective in preventing incidents from occurring.