Affected Employees are those that operate or work around machinery and equipment but do not service and maintain them. 

They

• Do Not perform Lockout Tagout
• Must never try to start machinery that is locked/tagged out
• Must never bypass lockout/tagout or remove a lock 

 Hazardous Energy

Is live or stored energy - in other words - Machines or equipment parts that are still moving—or have the potential to move—after being shut-off.

Types of stored energy:

• Heat (oil or water in a heater)
• Gravity (counterweights)
• Pneumatic, hydraulic, air and water pressure (production piping)
• Electrical (capacitors/batteries)

Injuries occur because of unexpected startup, motion, or operation if not fully locked out. To prevent injuries, hazardous energy must be effectively controlled. The way we do that is by following lockout and tagout procedures and using lockout and tagout devices. These procedures and devices prevent access to hazardous energy and warn you to avoid it. 

LOTO Steps

To perform LOTO, there are several steps that an authorized employee must take.  They are:

• Notify affected employees (tell you what is going to be done)
• Shut down energized equipment (by the normal shut down procedure)
• Isolate energy sources from equipment (turn off breakers)
• Lock out or tag out the energy isolation device (put a lock on the disconnect or other device being used)
• Release stored energy (bring it to a zero energy state)
• Test (make sure it will not turn back on)

To restart the equipment, the authorized employee must also take similar steps.  They are:

• Clean the area of equipment and tools
• Replace any guards
• Notify affected employees (that the equipment is going to be re-energized)
• Remove any locks or tags
• Follow the normal startup procedures.

Any time you see a lock or tag on a piece of equipment - DO NOT attempt to start the equipment.  There maintenance taking place.  

If you need access to a piece of equipment and it is locked out, contact your supervisor, or EHS.