General Lockout/Tagout Procedure

This general lockout/tagout procedure can be followed for simple hazardous energy sources on machinery, equipment, or system. Before work can begin on the actual system, the Lockout/Tagout Authorized Person must ensure that certain steps are completed.

1. Notify all parties who will be affected by the shutdown or de-energization of the machine/equipment/system. Notification must include the purpose of the work, instruction for personnel in the area not to attempt to remove or bypass locks, tags, devices, and instruction not to attempt to restart the machine, equipment, or system.
2. Identify all energy sources of the machine, equipment, or system prior to beginning work.
   • If electricity is the only energy source (including no stored energy) and the machine or equipment has a plug connection, the authorized person may proceed with servicing or maintenance activities provided that the machine/equipment is unplugged and the plug is under the exclusive control of the authorized person. 
   • If there is more than one energy type (e.g. hydraulic, pneumatic, electrical, gravity, etc.) or form (e.g. active, stored), an Energy Control Procedure must be developed and used.
   • If work will be performed on or near energized electrical systems, additional protocols are required. 
3. Shutdown the machine/equipment according to the manufacturer's recommendations or safe, or properly de-energize the electrical system.
4. Isolate all energy sources at the disconnect switch, circuit breaker, or by using an appropriate blocking device. If the energy source cannot be isolated, or if the energy isolation device is not lockable, contact Environmental Health & Safety for support.
5. Apply lockout device(s), lock(s), and tag(s) to the energy isolating device in a manner that will secure energy in a de-energized state.
6. Verify that the energy source(s) are actually isolated by attempting to start the machine, checking pressure gauges, using electrical testing equipment to prove the absence of voltage, or visually inspecting blocking devices). If the machine/equipment/system is still energized, do not begin work. Make sure that all steps have been performed correctly up to this point. If de-energization cannot be verified on the second attempt, assistance may be needed from an Electrical Qualified Person or another knowledgeable person. Notify your supervisor or Environmental Health & Safety for support.
   • Note: If electrical conductors or circuit parts are being tested with a multi-meter to verify the absence of voltage, the person must be an Electrical Qualified Person, and wear appropriate personal protective equipment for the hazard class involved.
7. Perform the servicing or maintenance activities once de-energization has been verified. 
8. Remove all materials, tools, equipment, locks, tags, and devices once the work has been completed. 
   • Note: Each lockout device shall only be removed by the "Authorized Employee" who applied it. If this is infeasible, the Emergency Lock Removal Procedure must be followed.
9. Notify all affected parties that the lockout/tagout is complete and that startup will be attempted. Remove all unnecessary personnel from the immediate area. Ensure the area is "all clear."
10. Energize the machine/equipment/system following manufacturer's procedures or established protocols.

General Lockout/tagout Procedure