Important machinery security and safety protocol information
What is Lockout/Tagout?
Lockout/tagout is an essential safety procedure that protects workers from injury while working on or near electrical circuits and equipment. … Also, lockout/tagout prevents the unexpected release of hazardous gasses, fluids, or solid matter in areas where workers are present.
Lockout/tagout controls and prevents the release unexpected energisation or start-up of hazardous energy by locking a machine’s energy-isolating device, such as manual disconnect switches, circuit breakers, line valves or blocks. A lockout device can be as simple as a padlock but can be any device that secures the energy-isolating device in a safe position.
How does Tagout work?
Tagout involves using a standard label or tag that says why the machine has been locked out, when the lock and tag were applied, and the name of the authorised person who locked and tagged out the system.
Why do we need Lockout/Tagout?
The safety procedure is one of the most popular and most important safety procedures used today. LOTO has helped in preventing a great number of fatalities, and even more injuries, over the past several decades. While it is very simplistic, its effects are far reaching and proven to benefit both facilities and workers.
Keeping workers safe
Lockout/tagout has gained importance because it keeps people safe while carrying out an activity in the workplace. While heavy machinery is critical for the success of business, making the manufacturing process possible by dramatically improving the efficiency of the production, these machines are very dangerous for those working in or around them. The Lockout/tagout safety procedure helps to minimise the risk of these machines to ensure safety.
Preventing damage to Property
Whenever an accident involves heavy machinery, the main concern is the safety of people working in the area. Lockout/tagout accidents can also cause serious damage to the machinery itself, which is very expensive to replace or repair. Every accident that can be avoided will potentially save human life and a large sum of money in repair or replacement costs.
Preventing lost time
Whenever there is an incident in the workplace and someone is injured, it is necessary to stop production to help those involved and carry out an investigation to determine exactly what occurred and why. This could result in many hours, or even days, of down-time and loss in productivity, which could in turn have a huge impact on the overall bottom line of the business.
Ensuring safety compliance
The lockout/tagout safety procedure is a usually requirement of SafeWork NSW, as outlined in the ‘Model Code of Practice Managing risks of plant in the workplace’. If a workplace is found to be non-compliant in this area, it could result in a significant fine. All of these reasons together make it clear that the lockout/tagout safety procedure is important for all facilities.
Understanding the hazards
Machinery and other workplace equipment tend to require maintenance or repairs. However, simply turning off the machinery or equipment is not always enough. Someone could turn the equipment back on, potentially causing serious injury or death to the person performing maintenance.
Even if the equipment is not turned on, it can contain stored electrical, mechanical or hydraulic energy that can also injure workers. The Lockout/tagout system blocks all incoming energy and discharges all stored energy in the equipment, making it physically impossible for it to run or move.
Choose Locksafe for your lockout/tagout needs
Lockout/tagout (LOTO) is a set of safety procedures that are used to ensure that equipment is shut down, inoperable, and where relevant, de-energised. This allows maintenance and repair work on the system to be performed safely. Workers need to be trained over Lockout/tagout procedures in their workplace to protect themselves from injury.
If you have any questions about LO/TO procedures and equipment, contact Locksafe. Locksafe produces a comprehensive range of effective and simple to use positive locking energy immobilisation and/or interruption safety compliant lockout products. Locksafe specifically addresses the operationally harsh, diverse Australian and Worldwide Mining and Construction Industries and is ready to help your business. Contact us on 08 9455 7255 or email us at info@locksafe.com.au and we will contact you back as soon as possible.
