Lock-out/Block-out Procedures
Every year many employees are injured or lose their lives
when the equipment they are repairing or maintaining is turned
on by a coworker or when potential energy is released while
the employee is in harm’s way of the equipment. To prevent
such injuries SOs require that a lock-out/block-out procedure
must be followed. GISO 3314
and ESO 2320.4
require that equipment be de-energized during cleaning, servicing,
or adjusting operations as follows:
A. Machinery or equipment capable of movement shall be stopped,
and the power source shall be de-energized or disengaged.
B. Moveable parts shall be mechanically blocked or locked
out.
C. Employees shall be trained and made familiar with the
safe use and maintenance of such tools.
D. Equipment that has lockable controls or that is readily
adaptable to lockable controls shall be locked out or positively
sealed in the off position.
E. Accident prevention signs or tags shall be placed on the
controls of equipment, machines, and prime movers during repair
work.
F. An energy control procedure shall be developed and used
by the employer. 3314
G. For heavy construction equipment repair, 1595(a)
requires that repairs must not be made until workers are protected
from movement of the equipment or its parts.
Note: The Lock-out/Block-out booklet is available online
(English - html,
pdf
and Spanish - html,
pdf).
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