Lock Out Tag Out - On Eqipments.

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LOCK OUT TAG OUT

Saving Lives by lock out / Tag out

The rack out / de-energize standards is designed to prevent injuries and deaths by accidental start up of electrical equipments during maintenance or servicing. It save lives. Yet unfortunate tragedies do still occur. Many of them could have been prevented if the rack-out / de-energize procedures were followed correctly. This safety topic provides a review of de-energizing procedure. Remember the standard can work only if it is used correctly every time.

De-energizing procedures

• Obtain necessary permit to rack-out / de-energize
• Verify correct tag no mentioned in the permit with field operator and the department working on the equipment.
• Make sure the equipment is not running. If it is running, get it stopped by operators.
• Isolate, put multilock hasp and yellow padlock for electrical and keep the key in electrical department custody.
• Other departments shall use their locks (for ex., green lock for operations, blue lock for mechanical dept. and black for others) and keep keys in their custody.
• Proper tagging must be done clearly mentioning the purpose of rack-ou/t de-energize, time/date etc.etc.
• Enter all activities in substation log book.
• An attempt to start the equipment must be made to verify that the equipment cannot start during the maintenance activity.

Energizing procedures

• A separate permit shall be obtained to energize the equipment.
• Visually confirm that the activity on the equipment is complete and it is safe to energize.
• Each dept. who placed a lock must remove it themselves before energizing.
• Remove yellow lock (electrical shall be the last lock to be removed) and energize the equipment.
• Enter the activity in the substation log book.

Procedures for performing rack-out / de-energize must be followed consistent Don’t be tempted to take shortcuts for small jobs, even if the rack-out procedure takes longer than the job itself.

For the lock out and tag out, the equipment's are: 

• Padlocks
• Tags

PROCEDURE OF LOCKING AND TAGGING OF CIRCUIT

1. Check the multi meter on the equipment with power supply to ensure that the multi meter is functioning. Do not turn off multi meter.
2. Ensure that no passengers are using the elevator before turning off the power supply to the desired elevator.
3. Turn off power supply in the control panel using the right hand by standing on the side.
4. Turn off lighting supply in the control panel using the right hand by standing on the side.
5. Turn off the main building incoming power supply for the elevator using the right hand by standing on the side.
6. Check with the same multi meter for “zero energy” on the main building incoming power supply for the elevator.
7. Check with same multi meter for “zero energy” on the lighting supply for the elevator.
8. Fellow employees on the job site shall be verbally advised about the lock out being done.
9. Install the Hasp onto the circuit breaker if the circuit breaker is locked. If the circuit breaker is unable to be locked, use the brandy lock out device to lock the circuit breaker before installing the Hasp.
10. Write the installer name, contact number, date and reason onto the locked out tag.
11. Attached the locked out tag onto the lock.
12. Insert the lock into the Hasp.
13. If more than 1 person is working on the lock out equipment, more than 1 lock and tag is required (the numbers of lock and tags must be the same as the number of people working on the equipment).
14. Confirm all works on the equipment are completed and elevator can be put back into normal operation.
15. Warn all people exposed to the circuit or equipment to stay away.
16. All tags and personal locks will be removed by the person who applied them or another designated authorized employee.
17. Visually check for all people to be clear of the equipment.
18. Turn on the main building incoming power supply for the elevator using the right hand by standing on the side.
19. Turn on the lighting and power supply in the control panel using the right hand by standing on the side.
20. Return elevator back into normal mode.

 Lock out / Tag out Electrical & Mechanical Equipment.

• No repair work may be performed on electrical or mechanical equipment working for operational field unless the power supply has been disconnected at the source and physically locked out and tagged by the performing authority.
• A suitable lock out form must be used to record the lock out and the purpose of isolation.
• All lockouts must be performed by a qualified and authorized personnel who will isolate the equipment.
• Agang lock will be locked onto the switchgear and all other crafts will attach padlocks before starting work.
• Locks will be released only after each craft has completed work on the equipment.
• High voltage equipment must also be grounded after lock out to discharge any residual current.
• Valves which have any effect on the isolated system should be secured on safe position [Safe shut (or) Safe open] and systems were depressurized according to the operation work procedures.
• Valves should be locked out by removing handle (or) with the use of padlocks and tagged to indicate the purpose of isolation
• When work is completed, each craft must sign-off on the work permit and release the craft lock.
• Padlocks may be cut or opened with the use of spare key only if a key is lost. This action must be approved first by an employee of superintendent authority or higher and the coordination with the operation department.
• When a lock out is done under a Work Permit, then the lock out form must be attached to the top of the Work Permit.