Lockout Tagout Programs

A Lockout/Tagout program is a series of safety procedures designed to protect employees from injury while on the job. Lockout tagout procedures are an essential part of OSHA’s safety regulations, which were established to make American workplaces safe and accident-free. Consequently, many other countries have adapted similar safety systems.

A Lockout/Tagout program marks devices that are either under repair, being refurbished, or otherwise unsuitable for use. The program designates certain machines as unusable, and appropriate tags are accompanied by lockout devices that prevent accidental start-up or use.

Very often, the lockout system involves physically locking the equipment's power sources so that it cannot be activated, and tagging the locks to indicate that Lockout/Tagout has taken place — and often who is responsible for the lockout. Applying locks and tags alone does not make equipment safe to service. Control stored energy and verify isolation and deenergization under the applicable procedure before work begins. Using this system drastically decreases the risk of injury everywhere from the factory floor to the high-tech physics lab.

Tags are warning devices and do not provide the physical restraint of a lock. Isolation, lockout or permitted tagout, control of stored energy and verification must follow the employer's energy-control procedure.

Lockout/Tagout safety tags safeguard against unexpected or unwanted functioning or start-up of dangerous machinery and equipment, or the release of hazardous energy during service or maintenance activities. For work covered by OSHA 29 CFR 1910.147, use the employer's energy-control procedures and applicable requirements. Different standards may apply to other work.

According to OSHA's safety regulations, lockout tags must be legible and contain words such as “Do Not Start,” “Do Not Open,” “Do Not Operate,” or similar warnings. Lockout tags must be easily seen and securely attached on or near the energy source. Generally, the tag is affixed to a padlock or key-type lock. Some lockout/tagout devices actually lock the power cord into a box that only a key can open.

In order to perform an effective lockout procedure, machines must be shut down according to the manufacturer’s specifications. Once the machines have been shut down, the energy source must be disconnected. Apply the required lockout or permitted tagout devices at the energy-isolating devices under the employer's procedure; a tag alone does not isolate energy. The tag will remain in place throughout the repair or maintenance.

Tags communicate warnings and identification as part of the energy-control program; tags themselves do not prevent hazardous energy from being released. These safety tags provide maintenance status at a glance, ensuring a safer working environment.

The Safety Factory offers a wide selection of lockout tags that are ideal for any size and type of facility. You can choose from standard lockout safety tags or custom tags designed specifically for your facility.