Introduction
Electricity is an inherently dangerous but versatile source of energy. When it is utilized according to sound safety principles, personal injury and property damage can be effectively prevented. The Lock-Out/Tagout standard (OSHA 29 CFR 1910.147) outlines minimum performance requirements for the control of hazardous energy during servicing and maintenance of machines and equipment. Lock-Out/Tagout had 3,321 total violations and was ranked #5 Top Cited Violation.
Statistics:
- Approximately 3 million workers service equipment and face the greatest risk of injury if lockout/tagout is not properly implemented.
- Compliance with the lockout/tagout standard (29 CFR 1910.147) prevents an estimated 120 fatalities and 50,000 injuries each year.
- Workers injured on the job from exposure to hazardous energy lose an average of 24 workdays for recuperation.
- In a study conducted by the United Auto Workers (UAW), 20% of the fatalities (83 of 414) that occurred among their members between 1973 and 1995 were attributed to inadequate hazardous energy control procedures specifically, lockout/tagout procedures.
“Lockout/Tagout (LOTO)” refers to specific practices and procedures to safeguard employees from the unexpected energization or startup of machinery or equipment, or the release of hazardous energy during service or maintenance activities.
- Only properly trained employees will utilize the LOTO program.
- No unauthorized personnel will attempt to operate machinery or tamper with machinery that has been locked out.
- No employee will tamper with any LOTO device or tag.
- Only authorized personnel may remove LOTO devices and tags in accordance with the LOTO program.
Per OSHA, the Top 5 sections sited:
1910-147 (c)(4) – Failure to develop, document and utilize procedures for the control of potentially hazardous energy (968 violations)
1910.147(c)(6) – Failure to conduct periodic inspection of the energy control procedure (684 violations)
1910.147(c)(7) – Failure to provide training on the energy control program (590 violations)
1910.147(c)(1) – Failure to establish a written lockout/tagout program(516 violations)
1910.147(d)(4)- Failure to properly apply a lockout or tagout device (193 violations)
Additional Resources:
Control of Hazardous Energy/Lockout/Tagout)
National Safety Council
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