If the Northern Lights College Basic Lockout Procedures will not meet the needs of a site or piece of equipment then site or equipment specific procedures must be created. These written procedures must be specific to the worker or job. All written procedures will include at minimum:
- A process a worker can follow where s/he is the only one responsible and using a small piece of equipment and the work taking place will be very brief. An example might be:
- When changing the blade on the cut-off saw(chop saw) saw a worker will use the following process:
- Shut off the power and disconnect the electrical line cord from the power outlet
- Coil the power cord and always keep it in your line of sight
- Perform the necessary repairs/maintenance
- Check the work performed (connections or fasteners tight, etc...)
- Reconnect the power cord
- A method for identifying locks issued to workers must be outlined in the written procedures. This method can be achieved by:
- Stamping the locks with an alpha-numeric ID and recording issued locks sets.
- Colour coding the locks and recording issued lock sets.
- A process for communicating the lock out and displaying warnings to other workers in the area that may be affected by the repairs or lock out. This process can be effected a number of ways some examples are:
- Tag out labels or signage where the warning are prominently displayed
- A flagging system provided all workers are aware of the system
- Alter the work process so only the workers performing the repairs or maintenance are in the immediate area
- A written instruction on the number of locks or if additional locking mechanisms are required. These can include:
- Scissor clamps
- Circuit breaker locks
- Cable locks
- A method for testing the effectiveness of the lockout and to verify that each energy source has been effectively locked out must be clearly outlined in the written procedure.
- The process for starting the device(s) or machinery after repairs or maintenance is completed must be clearly described in the written procedure.
- A provision for supervisors to unlock devices or machinery must be made clear to all involved in the lockout process. This provision must be described in the written procedures.
- On multiple lockout points the shut down order in addition to the order in which the locks have to be applied must be clearly outlined.
- If a situation that requires a group lockout (2 or more workers using their personal locks to lockout machinery) arises the written procedure must include the following provisions:
- A method for securing the keys to both set of locks in a common location.
- The keys must be locked by both persons locks
- A checklist outlining which machines are locked. The checklist must include which worker locked which machine. The checklist must be prominently posted in a conspicuous area. If the keys become unsecured or the worker’s locks are removed from the key securing area the lockout process will be considered null and void.
- A method or process for removing the locks and restarting normal operations.
- If working on mobile equipment the following process must be clearly outlined in the written procedures:
- Complete de-energization of equipment such as removing keys after shutting of power or disconnecting battery power. All keys must be secured or kept in the possession of the worker performing the repairs or maintenance.
- Braking and blocking of tracks or wheels
- Using pins, articulating locks or chains to lockout hydraulic booms, grapples, winches or arches.
- Neutralizing any loads borne by a malfunctioning machine.
If you or your department require assistance in creating effective written procedures please consult the Health, Safety & Environment Advisor at 1018.