Lockout/Tagout

Compliance with the OSHA lockout/tagout standard (29 CFR 1910.147) prevents an estimated 120 fatalities and 50,000 injuries each year.

Only those who have had Lockout/Tagout training may perform work on equipment that may be energized (electrical, pneumatic, hydraulic, etc.). If you do not properly lock and tagout the equipment, it could unexpectedly restart, and cause injury.

Lockout means:  The placement of a lockout device on an energy isolating device, in accordance with the established procedure, ensuring that the energy isolating device and the machine or equipment being controlled cannot be operated until the lockout device is removed.

Tagout means:  The placement of a tag on an energy isolating device to indicate that the energy isolating device and the equipment being controlled may not be operated until the tag is removed because of potential hazard to personnel or equipment.

Your lockout/tagout training will involve:

• Identify all sources of energy for the equipment in question.
• Disable backup energy sources such as generators and batteries.
• Identify all shut-offs for each energy source.
• Notify all personnel that equipment and circuitry must be shut off, locked out and tagged out .
• Shut off energy sources and lock switchgear in the OFF position. Each worker should use their individual lock. Do not give your key to anyone.
• Test equipment and circuitry to make sure they are off.
• Deplete stored energy by bleeding, blocking, grounding, etc .
• Apply a tag to alert other workers that this equipment is being worked on.
• Make sure everyone is safe and accounted for before reenergizing again.

To set up your lockout/tagout training, contact the EH&S Office at (608) 246-6291.

If there are new machines in your area that need a lockout/tagout procedure written, also contact the EH&S Office at (608) 246-6291.

Lockout/Tagout Program

Click to view MATC's Lockout/Tagout Program.

Questions? Contact Environmental Health & Safety