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710 Energy Control Program (Lockout/Tagout)
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710 Energy Control Program (Lockout/Tagout)

Purpose, Scope, and Application

Purpose

The purpose of an energy control program at work, also known as a Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) program, is to protect workers from the unexpected release of hazardous energy during maintenance or servicing of equipment.

Lockout/Tagout Warning Sign
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No worker should die or be injured due to the unexpected startup of machines and equipment, or release of stored energy.

Information about the Energy Control Program (ECP) is contained in 29 CFR 1910.147, Control of Hazardous Energy (Lockout/Tagout).

The regulation addresses the practices and procedures necessary to disable machinery or equipment, thereby preventing the release of hazardous energy while employees perform servicing and maintenance activities. It also details measures for controlling hazardous energies - electrical, mechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic, chemical, thermal, and other energy sources.

Real Life Scenario

An 18-year-old worker died after becoming entangled in a portable mortar mixer at a residential construction site. The victim was cleaning the mixer at the end of his shift to prepare it for the following day. A painter working near the victim heard yells for help and saw the victim's arm stuck in the machine and his body being pulled into the rotating mixer paddles. Emergency medical services were called and responded within minutes. Rescue workers dismantled the drive mechanism to reverse the mixing paddles and extricate the worker. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
(Source: OSHA)

Knowledge Check Choose the best answer for the question.

1-1. What management action should occur to help prevent fatalities or injuries due to the unexpected startup of equipment or the release of stored energy?

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