Introduction
Many Industrial accidents are caused by the unexpected energisation or start up of machines / equipment or by the uncontrolled release of energy. These accidents can be prevented by proper Lockout / Tagout procedures. Current regulations are regularly being revised to prevent needless deaths and serious injuries to service and maintenance personnel by controlling unauthorized or accidental use of energy. To perform service and maintenance work on industrial equipment safely, you must understand the importance of energy control and the current regulations. Studies have shown that energy control programs can reduce injury rates by 25 to 50 percent!
What is LOCKOUT / TAGOUT
A Lockout is a method of keeping equipment from being set in motion and endangering workers.
A Disconnect switch, circuit breaker, valve or other energy isolation mechanism is put in the safe or off position.
A Safety device is placed over the energy-isolating mechanism to hold it in the safe position. This is where Godrej Safety Lockout products are essential.
A Padlock is attached so that the equipment cannot be energized.
In a Tagout, the energy-isolation device is placed in the safe position and a written is attached to it. All lockout and tagout materials are supplied by the employer. Each device must be:
Durable to withstand wear.
Substantial, so it will not come off easily.
Capable of identifying the person who applied it.
Many Companies issue each worker authorized to apply Lockout / Tagout with their own personal padlock imprinted with his / her name.
When should you LOCKOUT / TAGOUT?
Lockout / Tagout is necessary whenever you are performing service or maintenance in proximity to a machine where you could be injured by:
Unexpected start up of the equipment
Two Situations are most likely to need Lockout / Tagout:
When you must remove or bypass a guard or other safety device.
When you must place any part of your body where you could be caught by moving machinery.
Some jobs for which Lockout /Tagout should be used are:
Repairing electrical circuits
Cleaning or oiling machinery with moving parts
Clearing jammed mechanisms
Legislations requires each employer to use Lockout / Tagout equipment. Ultimately, it is up to us to safeguard all operators and our own life and health by complying with the rules and using these locking solutions for safety.