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Release from Lockout/Tagout
The Lockout/Tagout standard includes requirements for
releasing machines or equipment that have been locked out or tagged out prior to restoring
energy to the equipment and using it. Before lockout or tagout devices are removed, and
energy restored, what procedures must the authorized employee follow?
The Lockout/Tagout standard includes requirements for
releasing machines or equipment that have been locked out or tagged out prior to restoring
energy to the equipment and using it. Before lockout or tagout devices are removed, and
energy restored, what procedures must the authorized employee follow?
- Machine/equipment inspection: The work area must be
inspected to ensure that nonessential items (e.g., tools, spare parts) have been removed
and that all of the machine or equipment components are operationally intact [29 CFR 1910.147(e)(1)].
- Positioning of employees: The work area must be checked to
ensure that all employees have been safely positioned or have cleared the area. In
addition, all affected employees must be notified that the lockout or tagout devices have
been removed before the equipment is started [29 CFR 1910.147(e)(2)(i)-29 CFR 1910.147(e)(2)(ii)].
- Lockout or tagout device removal: Each lockout or tagout
device must be removed from the energy-isolating device by the employee who applied the
device [29 CFR 1910.147(e)(3)].
What is the unique circumstance that allows an employee other
than the one who applied the lockout/tagout device to remove the device?
When the authorized employee who applied the lockout or tagout
device is not available to remove it, that device may be removed under the direction of
the employer, provided that specific procedures and training for such removal have been
developed, documented, and incorporated into the employer's energy control program [29 CFR 1910.147(e)(3)].
Exception
What steps must the employer take if an
employee, other than the one who applied the lockout/tagout device, removes the
device?
- The employer must verify that the authorized employee who applied the
device is not at the facility [29 CFR 1910.147(e)(3)(i)].
- The employer must make all reasonable efforts to contact the
authorized employee to inform him/her that his/her lockout or tagout device has been
removed [29 CFR 1910.147(e)(3)(ii)].
- The employer must ensure that the authorized employee knows that
the lockout device has been removed before he/she resumes work at the facility.
[29 CFR 1910.147(e)(3)(iii)].
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