More and more companies are increasing safety and seek the welfare of their work team, by implementing training, providing tools and supplies, among others; however, danger is everywhere and accidents happen, that is why looking for ways to prevent them is an action that adds value.
Lock Out Tag Out (LOTO) Process
One of the prevention and protection processes implemented is the LOTO procedure, which consists of specific practices and procedures used for the protection and prevention of the activation or unexpected start-up of machines and equipment when maintenance or operating personnel are working on or near them. That is, when performing maintenance on machines, it is of utmost importance to ensure that the equipment does not accidentally activate or release hazardous stored energy.
Employees should lockout and tagout a machine before performing maintenance, all with appropriate safety measures to prevent the equipment or machinery from causing injury.
Such lockout and tagout procedures (LOTO), apply to the control of energy at the time of any service or maintenance to your equipment. Title 29 CFR 1910.147, Control of Hazardous Energy, establishes the minimum requirements to perform it.
How is the process set up?
- Blocking: Ensures that the element is de-energized and the live energy is cut off.
- Consignment: Physical device that ensures that the energy is not turned on and can only be removed by the user or users who have locked it.
- Signaling: A label is added to the lockout point with the data of the person responsible for the lockout.
What happens if these steps are not performed, how to solve it?
In general, violations of the LOTO procedure are the most penalized. Because of this, industries can now eliminate or reduce the risks, one solution could be a means to guide the process for proper implementation of a lockout/tagout program, which allows for isolation as well as lockout/tagout at all power supply outlets on machines.
Solutions
It could be a successful lockout/tagout program, carried out on solid bases and through a plan, accompanied by proactive training programs that generate awareness of the importance of industrial safety so that there is a suitable environment for all team members.
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