Just today, OSHA proposed penalties against two companies for multiple alleged violations of federal workplace safety standards. One is Waukegan Steel Sales, Inc., a steel support manufacturing company facing a proposed fine of $152,500. The other is AAR Summa Technology, a manufacturing plant facing a total of $138,500 as proposed penalty.

While the two companies have different alleged violations, both were cited for one same repeat violation: issues or procedures that involve lockout/tagout. The fact that two or more companies face citations for the same repeat alleged violation means it’s a subject worth looking into.

Let’s start by defining some important terms. Here’s a direct excerpt from one of our safety meetings:

• Lockout places a device such as a keyed or combination lock, or a bolted securing cover to ensure that energy cannot be transmitted to a system to allow movement or energizing of that system. Energy may come from an electrical, hydraulic, pneumatic, or mechanical source. Energy may be transmitted by means of a manually operated circuit breaker or disconnect switch, a line valve, or any means of supplying energy to a machine or system.

• Blockout physically restrains a part or mechanical system to prevent movement totally or in a direction which would pose a danger to personnel. Restraints may be by pinning, bolting, use of a restraining arm, blocking, or any method which will not slip or move until intentionally removed.

• Tagout means to place a “Warning/Danger: Do Not Operate” tag on the locking mechanism attached to the disabled equipment. DO NOT USE TAGS ALONE! Use tags or signs in addition to locks. Tags must state the reason for the lockout, the name of the employee who is working on the equipment and how that person may be reached, and the time the tag was put in place.

Without the use of lockout/blockout-tagout on equipment and machinery, you are at a risk of suffering from serious injury. This can be anything from losing fingers, hands, arms, getting electrocuted or crushing parts of your body. By “equipment” and “machinery”, we mean anything that might make unexpected movements and uses electrical, mechanical, hydraulic, compressed air or other energy sources.

Keep in mind that even a locked-out machine with parts that are not blocked may not be safe to use. This is the main reason why each function must be used according to its specific task.

Also, remember that you should use the lockout/blockout-tagout procedure whenever you perform any of the following activities:

• Construction
• Installation
• Set-up
• Inspection
• Maintenance
• Repair
• Servicing
• Modifications

It’s important to note that lockout/blockout devices should be marked or painted for high visibility. If more than one shift is involved in using a locked equipment or machinery, the authorized person must remove their lockout device at the same time that the authorized person from the succeeding shift installs their own lockout device.

Tomorrow, we’ll talk more about tagout or tagging “OUT OF SERVICE” in the workplace. If you have questions about lockout, blockout and tagout procedures or anything related to safety, just contact us or leave a comment below.

Related Links:

• Lockout Tagout Basics : Machinery Tags (When Absence Means Trouble)
• Forklift Safety with Proper Training, Inspection and Operation
• How Workplace Safety Applies to Every Business