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710 Energy Control Program (Lockout/Tagout)
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Application of Energy Control Devices

Basic Steps in Controlling Energy

To safely apply energy controls to machines or equipment (using either lockout or tagout devices), authorized workers must perform lockout/tagout procedures in the following specific order:

LOTO follows an equipment-specific procedure.
  1. notify all affected employees of the requirement for lockout/tagout;
  2. identify all energy sources;
  3. de-energize equipment by isolating or blocking the energy sources;
  4. dissipate the potential (stored) energy that could affect the equipment (such as capacitors);
  5. lock out the equipment's energy-isolating devices (switches, valves, etc); and/or
  6. tag out the equipment's energy-isolating devices if you can't lock them out.

1910.147(c)(8)
Energy isolation. Lockout or tagout must be performed only by the authorized employees who are performing the servicing or maintenance.

1910.147(c)(9)
Notification of employees. Affected employees must be notified by the employer or authorized employee of the application and removal of lockout devices or tagout devices. Notification must be given before the controls are applied, and after they are removed from the machine or equipment.

Knowledge Check Choose the best answer for the question.

6-1. After isolating or blocking equipment energy sources during lockout/tagout, what is the next step in controlling hazardous energy?