Lockout — Crew Handout

What is lockout?

Lockout is the use of locks to prevent machinery or equipment from being started accidentally when maintenance work is being done.

Why is lockout important?

Every year, workers are seriously injured because machinery or equipment was not properly locked out. This means crushed limbs, severed fingers, even death.

What are your responsibilities?

If you work on machinery or equipment that requires lockout, you must follow written safe work procedures. Take the time to follow these procedures; they will protect you from injuries that will affect you and your family.

Remember to:

Lock out energy-isolating devices.

Keep control of the keys to your personal locks.

Remove your personal locks after the work is completed.

Types of lockout

Electricity is the most common energy source used to power equipment. Machinery powered by electricity is most commonly either:

soft-wired — plugged-in equipment

hard-wired — permanently connected equipment

- If you are unsure about how to lock out, ask your supervisor.-

Soft-wired lockout

These are the five basic steps for locking out soft-wired equipment:

Identify the machinery or equipment that needs to be locked out.
Shut off the machine or equipment. Make sure that all moving parts come to a complete stop. Ensure that shutting off the equipment will not cause a hazard to other workers.
Unplug the machine.
Keep the plug in plain view and within your reach while working on the machine.
Try to start the machine. This step is critical; it will tell you if the lockout procedure is effective. First ensure that everyone is in the clear and that no hazard will be created if the lockout is not effective.

For machinery equipped with a plug, keep the plug within your sight and reach.

Hardwired lockout

These are the five basic steps for locking out hardwired equipment:

Identify the machinery or equipment that needs to be locked out.
Shut off the machine or equipment. Make sure that all moving parts come to a complete stop. Ensure that shutting off the equipment will not cause a hazard to other workers.
Find the electrical source (circuit breaker or electrical disconnect switch) and place it in the "off" position.
Apply a personal lock, with your ID tag, to the energy device. If one switch is within your exclusive and immediate control, a lock may not be required.
Try to start the machine. This step is critical; it will tell you if the lockout procedure is effective. First ensure that everyone is in the clear and that no hazard will be created if the lockout is not effective.

Use personal locks with ID tags for machinery controlled by electrical disconnect switches or electrical breakers.