Release From Lockout/Tagout
Basic Steps for Release from Lockout/Tagout
OSHA's Lockout/Tagout standard includes requirements for releasing machines or equipment that have been locked out or tagged out prior to restoring energy to the equipment and using it.
Before lockout or tagout devices are removed and energy is restored, there are some procedures the authorized employee must follow:
- The work area must first be inspected to ensure that nonessential items (e.g., tools, spare parts) have been removed and that all of the machine or equipment components are operationally intact.
- The work area must then be checked to ensure all workers have been safety positioned or have cleared the area. In addition, all affected workers must be notified that the lockout or tagout devices have been removed before the equipment is started.
- Each lockout or tagout device must be removed from the energy-isolating device by the employee who applied the device.
1910.147(e)
Release from lockout or tagout. Before lockout or tagout devices are removed and energy is restored to the machine or equipment, procedures must be followed and actions taken by the authorized employee(s) to ensure the following:
- 1910.147(e)(1) The machine or equipment. The work area must be inspected to ensure that nonessential items have been removed and to ensure that machine or equipment components are operationally intact.
- 1910.147(e)(2) Employees.
- 1910.147(e)(2)(i) The work area must be checked to ensure that all employees have been safely positioned or removed.
- 1910.147(e)(2)(ii) After lockout or tagout devices have been removed and before a machine or equipment is started, affected employees must be notified that the lockout or tagout device(s) have been removed.
- 1910.147(e)(3) Lockout or tagout devices removal. Each lockout or tagout device must be removed from each energy isolating device by the employee who applied the device.
Exception to paragraph (e)(3): When the authorized employee who applied the lockout or tagout device is not available to remove it, that device may be removed under the direction of the employer, provided that specific procedures and training for such removal have been developed, documented, and incorporated into the employer's energy control program. The employer must demonstrate that the specific procedure provides equivalent safety to the removal of the device by the authorized employee who applied it. The specific procedure must include at least the following elements:
- 1910.147(e)(3)(i) Verification by the employer that the authorized employee who applied the device is not at the facility;
- 1910.147(e)(3)(ii) Making all reasonable efforts to contact the authorized employee to inform him/her that his/her lockout or tagout device has been removed;
- 1910.147(e)(3)(iii) Ensuring that the authorized employee has this knowledge before he/she resumes work at that facility.
Knowledge Check Choose the best answer for the question.
7-1. Before lockout or tagout devices are removed and energy is restored, what must the authorized employee do first?
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