Lock Out Tag Out (29CFR1910.147)

Lock Out / Tag Out requires employers to provide training and conduct periodic inspections. The requirement targets maintenance/service employees who work with equipment and machines where unexpected machine start-up, or release of stored energy, may cause injury. The training program must address:  recognition of hazardous energy sources, types and magnitudes of worksite energy, energy isolation and control methods, site-specific procedures for energy control, lock-out and tag-out of machines/equipment, and restarting or re-energizing equipment. Length of training for "Authorized Employee" is approximately two hours.

 

There are two types of employees as defined by 29 CFR 1910.147. An Affected Employee is one whose job requires him/her to operate or use a machine or equipment on which servicing or maintenance is being performed under LOTO, or whose job requires him/her to work in an area in which such servicing or maintenance is being performed. An Authorized Employee is a person who locks out or tags out machines or equipment in order to perform servicing or maintenance on that machine or equipment. Both types of employees have different training requirements. Hofman can provide awareness training to Affected Employees, and in depth LOTO training to Authorized Employees. Annual refresher training is also strongly recommended.

 

At least annually, each Authorized Employee must be observed and evaluated ("inspected") performing a machine LOTO. The periodic inspection shall be performed by an authorized employee, other than the employee(s) utilizing the energy control procedure. In addition, each written procedure must be reviewed to assure LOTO procedures are current and remain valid. Hofman Safety can assist clients establish protocols for the periodic inspection of LOTO procedures.

 

 

 

 

Hofman Safety and Industrial Hygiene Consulting, Inc.

Lock Out / Tag Out (LOTO) Training