General Safety: Lockout/Tagout

OSHA estimates that nearly 40 million maintenance workers could be exposed to unexpected machine start-ups or releases of stored energy while performing service work on equipment. Developing and implementing a comprehensive lockout/tagout program has proven to be a safe and effective way for reducing these types of incidents.

Lockout/Tagout refers to the complete isolation of equipment during maintenance or service work. OSHA regulations 29 CFR 1910.147 and 1926.416 require the use of locks or tags as warning devices to ensure employees are not injured from accidental machine start-ups. Service and maintenance employees need to be trained in the recognition and use of locks and tags, their applications, and personnel requirements. Don’t let your employees become a statistic.