Lockout / Tagout – Special Conditions

Lockout / Tagout – Special Conditions

Lockout/Tagout Procedure Implemented by a Group

If more than one individual is required to lockout and/or tagout equipment, each person must place their own personal lockout/tagout device on the energy isolating device. The level of protection of the group LO/TO must be the same as applicable to the individual lockout – tagout. The responsibility for the group lockout/tagout may be given to an authorized person as long as:

Authorized person’s lockout/tagout device should be first on and last off.

Assumes primary responsibility for the entire number of people working  under the protection of the group lockout/tagout.

Establishes the exposure hazards with regard to the machine or equipment.

Assures that when additional personnel begin work, their individual  lockout/tagout device is added to the group lockout/tagout device, and they remove their device when work is complete.

When an energy isolating device cannot accept multiple locks or tags, a multiple lockout or tagout device can be used; for example, scissor type lockout clamp.

Another option for worker group lockout uses a single lock to lockout the equipment; placing that key in a lockout box which allows the use of multiple personal locks to secure it.

Removal of Lockout/Tagout Devices:

When a person who applied a lockout/tagout device is not available to remove it, the device can be removed if the following three conditions are met:

1. Verification by the appropriate supervision that the person who applied the device is not at the facility, that all intended work has been satisfactorily completed, and that the equipment is ready to return to service.
2. After all reasonable efforts have been made to contact the original person who locked/tagged the equipment or system to inform them that their lockout/tagout device is being removed, the lock may be removed. The authorized person must document the inability to contact the person and that work completion was checked.
3. Ensure that the person(s) have been informed that their lockout/tagout device(s) have been removed before resuming work.

Shift Change/Personnel Change:

At shift or personnel change, the personal lockout and/or tagout device shall be removed by the out-going person and replaced by the relieving in-coming person. This will minimize exposure to hazards of unexpected energization, start-up, or release of stored energy from the machine or equipment.