Lockout/Tagout for Authorized Employees: Refresher

Course Description:

This refresher course will give you the main points to remember about lockout/tagout for authorized employees. For more complete information, be sure to take the full-length course.

Why “Lockout/Tagout for Authorized Employees: Refresher” Matters:

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s (OSHA) lockout/tagout standard was the fourth most frequently violated standard in fiscal year 2003.

There were nearly 4,000 OSHA citations for lockout/tagout violations in that year.

Penalties assessed totaled nearly $3 million.

Required by 29 CFR 1910.147.

Key Points:

• First, all forms of energy can be dangerous and deadly. Failure to lock out equipment is a leading cause of death and injury in the workplace. Employees must follow safety procedures whenever they perform maintenance or service on machines and equipment.
• Use lockout/tagout whenever there is the possibility of an unexpected start-up or release of stored energy. Don’t take chances. Remember the safety rule from before: When in doubt, lock it out!
• Always follow the proper lockout/tagout and restart procedures. Don’t cut corners to try to save time or because you think the procedures are not necessary. The safety of everyone is at stake.
• Finally, remember to keep all affected employees and other employees informed about lockout/tagout procedures. Let them know what you are doing and why it’s important to their safety.