Lockout/tagout systems, design

An accredited ANSI standards conunittee is working on a revision of ANSI Z244, titled Control of Hazardous Energy—Lockout/Tagout and Alternative Methods. Its June 2002 draft requires that a risk assessment be performed in the design of lockout/tagout systems to determine the... 

In another multilocation operation, a fatality resulting from electrocution occurred in a situation comparable to that just described. The CEO took charge. She recognized that shortcomings in the design of lockout/tagout systems result in unacceptable risks and that those risks may be pervasive. 

The incident investigation report recorded the causal factor as employee failed to follow the established lockout/tagout procedure. Later, it was determined that the distance to the power shut off was 216 feet. In that work situation, where fatigue had become a factor, it was judged that the design of the lockouf/tagout system whereby the power shut off was not immediately accessible encouraged the employee s... 

Two subjects come to mind that encourage designing beyond compliance standards. Systems designed in accord with OSHA s lockout/tagout and confined space standards may be error-provocative. 

Assume that an electrical system is designed to OSHA lockout/tagout requirements and to the requirements of the National Electfical Code but that the distance workers have to travel to lockout stations is, in their view, too far and burdensome. You can be sure that sometimes workers will not follow the written Standard Operating Procedures. If a system s design and purchasing contract merely say Meet OSHA Requirements, the result could be an error-provocative system. 

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