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INTRODUCTION TO THE PROGRAM - LOCKOUT / TAGOUT

Structure and Organization

The Lockout / Tagout information in this program is presented in a definite order, so that employees will see the relationships between the various groups of information and can retain them more easily. The sections included in the Lockout / Tagout program are:

• OSHA Lockout / Tagout Regulation.

• Common Lockout / Tagout Situations.

• Types of Energy and Their Associated Characteristics.

• Lockout / Tagout Devices.

• Lock-Out / Tag-Out for Electrical Systems

• Lockout / Tagout for Pneumatic and Hydraulic Systems.

• General Lockout / Tagout Procedures.

Each of the sections covers important information in one topic area, providing employees with general knowledge about working safely with powered machinery.

Background

OSHA estimates that over 1 00 lives are lost and 60,000 injuries occur each year due to employees working with equipment and machinery that has not been properly locked out. As a result, in 1989, OSHA created new Lockout / Tagout regulations addressing this problem.

The key to the process of Lockout / Tagout is the isolation of a machine's ~'energy source' tm so that the machine cannot be inadvertently turned on. While the concept of Lockout / Tagout is based on a common sense approach to dealing with powered machinery, many employees have had little training in this area. Additionally, most employees do not realize how frequently they encounter situations where Lockout / Tagout procedures should be applied.

Objectives

This program has been specifically designed to "reawaken" employees' awareness of how to work safely with powered machinery. It assumes that employees will remember basic information given to them in their initial "Lockout / Tagout" training, and acts as a "refresher/ reminder" about selected important information.

Upon completion of the program, employees should have an increased awareness about:

• The potential dangers of working on "Energized" machinery and equipment.

• The concepts behind an "Energy Control Plan" and Lockout / Tagout procedures.

• Recognizing situations where Lockout / Tagout should be used.

• The "rules" for conducting safe Lockout / Tagout procedures.

• Selecting appropriate Lockout / Tagout Devices for various situations.

• How to successfully conduct Lockout / Tagout operations.

Reviewing the Program

With the Lockout / Tagout program, as with any educational program, the "presenter" should go through it at least once to become familiar with the content and make sure the program is consistent with facility policy and directives. An "outline" of the points in the Lockout / Tagout program is included in this Presenter's Guide to help with this task and for general reference.

As part of this review process, you should determine how you, as the presenter, will conduct your session. The use of materials such as handouts, charts, etc., that may be available to you needs to be well thought out and integrated into the overall Lockout / Tagout program presentation.

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