Safety Manual:
Lockout / Tagout
- Replaces: Supersedes all previous information on the same topic
- Reviewed: Annually
- Section Revised: created 9/1995, 1/1/2011, 1/1/2014, 1/1/2018, 1/1/2020 ; Moved to Google Sites 1/1/2022; revised 1/1/2022, 1/1/2024
- Contact: Safety Staff
Purpose of Procedure
This procedure details the steps necessary to prevent injury to NKY Health employees, outside contractors, or their staff when service or maintenance is required for equipment, machines, appliances or circuit breakers at any NKY Health work site. Injury/Hazards will be prevented by locking and/or tagging such equipment, machine or circuit breaker in a readily identifiable manner to alert individuals that the item is not to be turned on/used.
Applicability of Procedure
This plan applies to all NKY Health employees, outside contractors and their staff while working at any NKY Health work site.
The procedure will apply to equipment or machines that cannot be unplugged from a single energy source, as well as the operation of any piece of electrical equipment at any NKY Health work site.
Generally, supervisors are responsible for lockout/tagout procedures and ensuring that NKY Health equipment is in good working order for the work unit they supervise. Each employee is responsible for proper use and care of any equipment s/he uses at work.
Staff Training and Responsibility
Training on proper use and maintenance of NKY Health’s equipment will be provided.
All staff must follow the guidelines provided in the training and as stated in this document.
Contact the safety staff with questions/concerns about this plan.
Training records for NKY Health employees are maintained in a learning management system and/or personnel files
Procedure for Operation of Electrical Equipment
Make sure that all electrical tools/equipment are in safe operating condition before using them. If you have questions concerning how to use the equipment or if you are not sure it is in safe operating condition, ask your supervisor BEFORE using it.
When using electrical equipment, follow these guidelines:
Make sure cords are free from cuts or scrapes that expose wires.
Examine the plug to make sure all prongs are present and not loose.
Check for loose parts, switches, nuts, bolts, etc. Report any problems to your supervisor.
Check the receptacle/outlet before plugging in an electrical cord for burn marks, cracks, broken faceplate or foreign objects. Report any of these conditions to your supervisor who will put a DO NOT OPERATE tag on the outlet.
Test the equipment to ensure it is operating correctly. If you are unsure, check with your supervisor. If it is determined that the equipment is malfunctioning your supervisor will put a DO NOT OPERATE tag on the equipment.
If any equipment or outlet is making an unusual noise, is smoking, or casting a “burning” smell, turn off the equipment immediately and unplug the power cord if it is safe to do so.
Never unplug a tool/device by pulling on the cord. Grasp the plug and pull it from the receptacle.
Supervisors of each work unit will work with appropriate personnel to decide whether to request service/maintenance/repair, discard the equipment, or replace the equipment. The DO NOT OPERATE tag should remain on the equipment/outlet until further notice.
Procedure for Lockout / Tagout
The supervisor of each affected work unit will work with appropriate personnel to execute the plan to lockout/tagout, repair, discard, and/or replace faulty equipment.
Those responsible will:
Alert employees in the area that the equipment will be turned off and tagged out.
Ensure equipment is turned off.
Disconnect the equipment from all power sources as applicable and only if safe to do so.
Lock and/or tag the energy source and power control as appropriate. In the event of a lockout, the key will be unavailable to equipment users during the repair or maintenance. If the equipment is tagged (see sample below), the name of the supervisor and date taken out of service will be sufficient on the tag.
Those responsible for servicing / repairing the unit will:
Check that equipment, machine, or circuit breaker is inoperable by testing the "on" switch.
When work on equipment is complete, ensure that all employees are positioned safely relative to the equipment, then turn it on and test it.
Check around the area and remove work tools.
Remove locks and/or tags.
Notify affected employees that the unit is now in service.
Lockout / Tagout Sample Tags
