Six Step Guide for Improved Performance of Lockout Tagout Solutions

1. Downloaded from: justpaste.it/8w2ly Six Step Guide for Improved Performance of Lockout Tagout Solutions Lockout Tagout Solutions aims at providing effective safety in modern industries and workplaces. It saves the lives of the workforce and employees from hazardous energy and decreases downtime by standardizing and streamlining work processed. Here we bring to you six ways in which you can improve LOTO procedures. So, here we go.

2. Here is a glance at the six steps of LOTO safety procedures. Preparation Shutdown Isolation Lockout/tagout Stored energy check Isolation verification Each step is described in detail in the following post. Step 1 – Preparation The first step of locking and tagging out the machine for maintenance and service is to prepare. During this stage, the authorized employees must investigate and gain complete knowledge of all types of dangerous energy that have to be controlled. Also, it is important to identify other hazards and proper means of controlling that energy. Step 2 – Shutdown There should be proper planning to start the process of locking out and powering down machines and equipment. Nothing should be rushed and step-by-step should be followed. At this point, the shutting down of equipment or machines that need service or maintenance starts. Another inevitable part of this step is to inform all the employees and staff about the shutdown so that they can prepare for it without letting their work gets affected. Informing employees is important even if they have no role in the maintenance and service. Step3 – Isolation The next step involved in the LOTO procedure is to isolate the equipment or machine from any type of energy source. This can mean any number of things such as shutting a valve or switching off power at a breaker. Step 4 – Lockout Tagout Once the equipment or machine is isolated from the source of energy, the next step involves carrying out a lockout tagout procedure. It is fair enough to say that this six-step process derives its name from this step. In this step, the authorized personnel will attach lockout and tagout machines to each energy- isolating device. The bottom line is to apply the lockout machine or device on the energy- isolating device in such a way that it is in a safe position and can’t be shifted to the unsafe place except by the personnel carrying out lockout. Tagout, on the other hand, refers to the

3. process of applying a tag to the machine. This tag has the details like the name of the person who performed the lockout along with other information Step5 – Checking Stored Energy Even after disconnecting the energy source and following the above-mentioned steps, there is no assurance that no hazardous energy is stored within the equipment or that it is safe to perform its service or maintenance. It is at this time; it becomes important to look for dangerous energy that has been stored within the equipment or any ‘residual’ energy. Professionals restrain, removes, disconnect, or relieves any potentially residual or hazardous energy so that service or maintenance can be carried out. Step 6 – Isolation Verification The last step is all about ensuring that the machine or device is safe to use. Yes, machines are shut down, isolated from the power source, locked out, and checked for the presence of hazardous energy. Now is the time to double-check that you performed it right and it is safe to work on equipment or machine. During this stage, authorized personnel verify the equipment has been properly de-energized and isolated. Following the above-mentioned steps would ensure the improvement of Lockout Tagout Solutions and ensure the safety of your employees.