Title: Reading Assignments
Course: WGF 107 DEVELOPMENT > Section: Content

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Sub-Title | Introduction To Lock-out/Tag-out
Content
Workers performing service or maintenance on machinery and equipment may be exposed to injuries from the unexpected energization, startup of the machinery or equipment, or release of stored energy in the equipment.

The Lockout/Tagout standard requires the adoption and implementation of practices and procedures to shut down equipment, isolate it from its energy source(s), and prevent the release of potentially hazardous energy while maintenance and servicing activities are being performed. It contains minimum performance requirements, and definitive criteria for establishing an effective program for the control of hazardous energy. However, employers have the flexibility to develop lockout/tag-out programs that are suitable for their respective facilities.

Employers must develop, document, and use specific procedures to control potentially hazardous energy when employees are servicing equipment or machinery
[29 CFR 1910.147(c)(4)(i)].

Under what limited situations is documentation of the procedures not required? [29 CFR 1910.147(c)(4)(i)]. (NOTE:) (Exception:)

- The machine or equipment has no potential for stored or residual energy, or for reaccumulation of stored energy after shut down, which could endanger employees.

- The machine or equipment has a single energy source that can be readily identified and isolated and the isolation and locking out of that energy source will completely deenergize and deactivate the machine or equipment.

- The machine or equipment is isolated from that energy source and locked out during servicing or maintenance.

- A single lockout device will achieve a locked-out condition.

- The lockout device is under the exclusive control of the authorized employee performing the servicing or maintenance.

- The servicing or maintenance does not create hazards for other employees.

- The employer has had no accidents involving the unexpected activation or reenergization of machines or equipment during servicing or maintenance.
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Content
Introduction to Personal Protective Equipment

Hazards exist in every workplace in many different forms: sharp edges, falling objects, flying sparks, chemicals, noise and a myriad of other potentially dangerous situations. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requires that employers protect their employees from workplace hazards that can cause injury.

Controlling a hazard at its source is the best way to protect employees. Depending on the hazard or workplace conditions, OSHA recommends the use of engineering or work practice controls to manage or eliminate hazards to the greatest extent possible. For example, building a barrier between the hazard and the employees is an engineering control; changing the way in which employees perform their work is a work practice control.

When engineering, work practice and administrative controls are not feasible or do not provide sufficient protection, employers must provide personal protective equipment (PPE) to their employees and ensure its use. Personal protective equipment, commonly referred to as "PPE", is equipment worn to minimize exposure to a variety of hazards. Examples of PPE include such items as gloves, foot and eye protection, protective hearing devices (earplugs, muffs) hard hats, respirators and full body suits.

This guide will help both employers and employees do the following:

- Understand the types of PPE.
- Know the basics of conducting a "hazard assessment" of the workplace.
- Select appropriate PPE for a variety of circumstances.
- Understand what kind of training is needed in the proper use and care of PPE.

The information in this guide is general in nature and does not address all workplace hazards or PPE requirements. The information, methods and procedures in this guide are based on the OSHA requirements for PPE as set forth in the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) at 29 CFR 1910.132 (General requirements); 29 CFR 1910.133 (Eye and face protection); 29 CFR 1910.135 (Head protection); 29 CFR 1910.136 (Foot protection); 29 CFR 1910. 137 (Electrical protective equipment); 29 CFR 1910.138 (Hand protection); and regulations that cover the construction industry, at 29 CFR 1926.95 (Criteria for personal protective equipment); 29 CFR 1926.96 (Occupational foot protection); 29 CFR 1926.100 (Head protection); 29 CFR 1926.101 (Hearing protection); and 29 CFR 1926.102 (Eye and face protection); and for the maritime industry at 29 CFR 1915.152 (General requirements); 29 CFR 1915.153 (Eye and face protection); 29 CFR 1915.155 (Head protection); 29 CFR 1915.156 (Foot protection); and 29 CFR 1915.157 (Hand and body protection).

This guide does not address PPE requirements related to respiratory protection (29 CFR 1910.134) as this information is covered in detail in OSHA Publication 3079, "Respiratory Protection". There is a brief discussion of hearing protection in this publication but users should refer to OSHA Publication 3074, "Hearing Conservation" for more detailed information on the requirements to protect employees' hearing in the workplace.

The Requirement for PPE

To ensure the greatest possible protection for employees in the workplace, the cooperative efforts of both employers and employees will help in establishing and maintaining a safe and healthful work environment.

In general, employers are responsible for:

- Performing a "hazard assessment" of the workplace to identify and control physical and health hazards.
- Identifying and providing appropriate PPE for employees.
- Training employees in the use and care of the PPE.
- Maintaining PPE, including replacing worn or damaged PPE.
- Periodically reviewing, updating and evaluating the effectiveness of the PPE program.

In general, employees should:

- Properly wear PPE,
- Attend training sessions on PPE,
- Care for, clean and maintain PPE, and
- Inform a supervisor of the need to repair or replace PPE.

Specific requirements for PPE are presented in many different OSHA standards, published in 29 CFR. Some standards require that employers provide PPE at no cost to the employee while others simply state that the employer must provide PPE. Appendix A at page 40 lists those standards that require the employer to provide PPE and those that require the employer to provide PPE at no cost to the employee.
Links/Uplinks
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)

Overview
Scope and Application
Purpose
Definitions
Energy Control Program
Energy Control Procedures
- Documentation
Energy Control Procedures
- Required Content
Periodic Inspection
Employee Training and
Communication
Additional Training
(Tagout System)
Employee Retraining
Lockout/Tagout
New or Modified Equipment
Full Employee Protection
Materials and Hardware
Application of Energy Control
Release from Lockout/Tagout
Testing of Machines
Outside Personnel (Contractors)
Group Lockout/Tagout
Requirements
Shift & Personnel Changes

Lock-out/Tag-out https://www.osha.gov/dts/osta/lototraining/index.html

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) https://www.osha.gov/Publications/osha3151.html

Materials Library https://www.osha.gov/dte/library/materials_library.html
Attributions | Image and Content courtesy of OSHA – U.S. Department of Labor