Hazard Recognition – Lockout/Tagout
Lockout/Tagout
Proper lockout/tagout procedures can help prevent serious injuries, but only if those procedures are followed.
A lot of organizations, they’ve got the best procedures in place, but it’s the implementation of the procedures that fails.
Some examples:
- One employee may go home for the day with his lock on, and the next worker on duty cuts the lock.
- Workers may simply use a label on older equipment for which secure lockout is more difficult.
- Instead of installing a chain to lock a valve in place, a wire that can easily be cut may be used.
Even if all lockout/tagout steps are followed, faulty equipment can still lead to failures.
Violation of lockout/tagout procedures often boils down to three reasons:
- Complacency
- A rush to finish the work
Being unfamiliar with the equipment