Companies adapt lockout tagout online certification policies with the sole purpose of protecting their workers from accidents and mishaps due to unexpected release of harmful energy or electricity from any machinery or equipment during the time when they are being repaired or serviced. The procedure of Lockout/Tagout involves removal of all non-essential items while keeping all the machine components intact.

Here’s taking a look at some of the items which need to be isolated during lockout tagot..

Lockout

An energy isolation device could include the following:

· Circuit breaker

· Slide gate

· Line valve

· Disconnect switch

In order to hold energy isolation device in a safe position and prevent any kind of energy release from the machine or any equipment, one needs to use positive methods like a lock which is either a key or combination type. However, it is important for the lockout device to be substantial enough, so as prevent its removal sans any use of unusual techniques or excessive force. Employers should use systematic or orderly methods for transfer of lockout protection between current and oncoming employees.

Tagout

A tag or any suitable warning device is used for machinery or equipment which needs to be energy isolated during tagout procedure. The sole purpose of using tag or any other prominent warning device is to indicate that the controlled equipment should not be operated until and unless the tagout device is removed. Some of the tagout devices include:

· Non-reusable

· Attached by hand

· Self-locking

· Non-releasing with a minimum unlocking strength of no less than 50 pounds

· Must be at least equivalent to an all-environment tolerant nylon cable tie

Removal of Lockout/Tagout Devices

Prior to removal of tagout devices, the employee authorized to do so should ensure of removing all the non-essential items, apart from confirming about machine components being intact. Additionally, following are some of the precautions which need to be taken.

. Evacuate the area and ensure that all employees are shifted to safe zones.

. Advance notification to the employees about lockout/tagout devices being removed.

. Devices should be removed by the same employee who has applied them.

. In case of group lockout/tagout devices being used, similar procedures should be followed, so as to protect the employees.

. All the workforces of the organization should be informed and intimated during removal of devices, so as to maintain the protection continuity.

It is mandatory and essential for the employees to undertake lockout tagout certification training courses which can help them understand the energy control methods in a better manner.

For More:- online safety courses