Affected Employees
Because you operate or use machines to which lockout/tagout is applied or work in an area where lockout/tagout is performed, you need to understand:
o The procedures involved in lockout/tagout.
o The reasons for lockout/tagout.
o The dangers involved when interfering with lockout/tagout.
Why is lockout/tagout necessary?
During servicing and maintenance operations, the unexpected release of hazardous energy can cause serious injury. Frequently, these operations require an employee to place part of his or her body into the machinery's point of operation or to remove or bypass a guard.
Some examples of activities that could require lockout/tagout would include lubrication, cleaning or unjamming machinery, making adjustments or tool changes, installing equipment, etc., where the employee is at risk of injury from unexpected energization of the equipment.
What steps are included in a lockout/tagout procedure?
The procedure contains steps for shutting down, isolating, blocking, and securing machines or equipment to control hazardous energy.
Also, the procedure includes steps for placement, removal, and transfer of lockout/tagout devices.
Finally, it contains requirements for testing and verifying the effectiveness of the lockout/tagout devices and other energy control measures.
Where does an affected employee fit in the process?
Affected employees will be notified by the employer or authorized employee of the application and removal of lockout or tagout devices. Notification will be given before the controls are applied, and after they are removed from the machine or equipment.
After lockout or tagout devices have been removed and before a machine or equipment is started, affected employees will be notified that the lockout or tagout device(s) have been removed.
ONLY AUTHORIZED EMPLOYEES MAY REMOVE A MACHINE FROM LOCKOUT/TAGOUT.
Affected employees must not attempt to restart or reenergize machines or equipment that are locked/tagged out.
Employee training
OSHA regulations contain specific training requirements for affected employees. At 29 CFR 1910.147(c)(7)(i)(B), the rule says that "each affected employee shall be instructed in the purpose and use of the energy control procedure."