Energy isolating device

Are machines shut down in an orderly fashion before energy isolating devices are locked out or tagged so as to avoid any hazards to employees as a result of equipment deenergization [OSHA Reference. 147(d)(2)]... 

Are lockout and tagout devices properly applied to energy isolating devices [OSHA. 147(d)(4)]... 

Are lockout devices affixed so as to hold the energy isolating device in a safe or off position ... 

Are tagout devices affixed to the energy isolating device or, when this is not possible, as close as safely possible ... 

Application of LOTO devices to breakers and disconnect switches, valves, and energy isolating devices. 

LOTO Lockout/tagout. A safety procedure that helps to ensure that all power sources are turned off and isolated to prevent injury while performing maintenance or repairs on equipment. Standard keyed locks and other energy isolation devices are used to perform the lockout/tagout step. 

A mechanical device that physically prevents the transmission or release of energy. They typically include, but are not limited to, the following A manually operated electrical circuit breaker a disconnect switch a manually operated switch by which the conductors of a circuit can be disconnected from all ungrounded supply conductors, and, in addition, no pole can be operated independently a line valve a block and any similar device used to block or isolate energy. Push buttons, selector switches, and other control circuit type devices are not considered energy isolating devices. Enforcement... 

A positive means such as a lock, either key or combination type, to hold an energy isolating device in the safe (e.g., not operating) position and prevent the energizing of a machine or equipment. Included are blank flanges and bolted slip blinds. 

The placement of a tag-out device on an energy isolation device (e.g., circuits or equipment) in accordance with an established procedure to identify and alert individuals that the energy isolation device and the equipment being controlled may not be operated or have their positions changed until the tag-out device is removed by an authorized individual. See also Lockout/Tagout (LOTO). 

If an energy-isolating device is not capable of being locked out, can it be demonstrated... 

Are all energy-isolating devices adequately labeled or marked to indicate their... 

Is there a written listing of all energy-isolating devices on shop equipment ... 

Procedures using an energy isolating device which prevents machinery from energizing and/or a tag that alerts employees about the need for equipment to not be stated. 

Any prominent warning device, such as tag and a means of attachment, which can be securely fastened to an energy-isolating device in accordance with an established procedure. The tag indicates that the machine or equipment to which it is attached is not to be operated until the tagout device is removed in accordance with the energy control procedure. 

When the energy-isolating devices cannot be locked out, use a tag to prevent inadvertent actuation. 

Remove the lockout devices and re-energize the machine or equipment. The employee who applied the device will remove each lockout/tagout device from each energy-isolating device. 

Tags are essentially warning devices affixed to energy isolating devices, and do not provide the physical restraint on those devices that is provided by a lock. 

Tags must be securely attached to energy isolating devices so that they cannot be inadvertently or accidentally detached during use. 

NOTE Push buttons, selector switches, and other circuit type devices are not energy-isolating devices. 

Tags are used only as warning devices and not as a physical restraint on energy isolating devices that would otherwise require the use of a lock ... 

OSHA defines an energy isolating device as a mechanical device that physically prevents the transmission or release of energy, including but not limited to the following ... 

Examples of what are not energy isolating devices include push buttons, selector switches, and other control circuit type devices. The buttons, switches, and dials on a machine s control panel are not energy isolating devices. 

The device needs to meet the above definition of an energy isolating device to satisfy the standard s requirements. If an employer determines that the device does not meet the definition, then the energy supply needs to be tracked back to a disconnect switch or circuit breaker which does meet the definition. An November 10, 1999 Letter of Interpretation notes that the extent of the lockout procedures would depend on the employees activities and their exposure to the hazards. If the maintenance/repair activities will not expose employees to a certain hazard from a part of the equipment, that portion of the equipment would not need to be deenergized. The letter includes the following ... 

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