The Hazardous Control of Energy – Lockout / Tagout guidelines are designed to prevent injuries resulting from the unexpected start-up, energization or release of stored energy during servicing or maintenance of equipment.  The Control of Hazardous Energy Sources (lockout/tagout) is covered by 29 CFR 1910.147.

Hazardous energy, such as electricity, chemical, radiation, pneumatic, hydraulic, mechanical and gravitational energy sources, must be dissipated and isolated before servicing or maintaining equipment.  Physical controls are generally known as Lockout/Tagout (LOTO), and consist of locks and tags applied to the energy-isolating device of the hazardous energy source, thus preventing unexpected or unauthorized startup or activation.

The Hazardous Energy Control – Lockout / Tagout (LOTO) guidelines apply to all Bates College organizational departments at all locations, including College-owned property, College-leased space, and temporary field locations under the control of Bates College operations staff.

Affected Personnel: any person who operates or is in proximity to any piece of equipment subject to lockout/tagout

Authorized Personnel: staff or contractors who are certified to work service or repair equipment

Lockout: The placement of a lockout device on an energy isolating device, in accordance with an established procedure, ensuring that the energy isolating device and the equipment being controlled cannot be operated until the lockout device is removed.

Lockout Device: A device that utilizes a positive means such as a lock, either key or combination type, to hold an energy isolating device in the safe position and prevent the energizing of a machine or equipment.   Included are blank flanges and bolted slip designs.

Tagout: The placement of a tagout device on an energy isolating device, in accordance with an established procedure, to indicate that the energy isolating device and the equipment being controlled may not be operated until the tagout device is removed.

Tagout Device: A prominent warning device, such as a tag and a means of attachment, which can be securely fastened to an energy isolating device in accordance with an established procedure, to indicate the energy isolating device and the equipment being controlled may not be operated until the tagout device is removed.

Tags must be used only when equipment is not lockable.  Equipment should be made lockable upon repair, replacement, or renovation.

1. Preparation for Lockout – Locate all energy sources (thermal, electric, gas, pneumatic) and inform all affected personnel.
2. Shutting down equipment – Turn off the equipment using the normal on/off switch.
3. Disconnect power source – Disconnect the power source using an energy isolating device.
4. Apply lockout/tagout device – Only authorized employees shall apply; locks hold the power source in the “off” position; locks must be used if equipment is capable of being locked out; if locks cannot be used, tags must be used.  Devices must be standardized, identifiable, durable, and not used for any other purpose.
5. Release stored energy – Drain a capacitor, open a bleed valve on a hydraulic, pneumatic or chemical line; double block and bleed.
6. Verify machine is safe – Verify that all locks and tags are in place.  Verify equipment is in zero energy state.  Try to operate the equipment.
7. Restoring energy to equipment – Inspect work area, notify employees, remove devices, and test equipment.

• Developing and implementing department specific guidelines and procedures
• Developing specific hazardous energy control procedures for each piece of equipment
• Informing individuals working in the area (affected personnel) of the LOTO guidelines and its impact on their work area
• Determining which authorized personnel may work on equipment
• Ensuring authorized personnel have LOTO training based on the hazardous energy sources in their research or workplace
• Ensuring proper labeling of the energy-isolating devices on equipment controlled by the department
• Reporting injuries and near misses

• Follow LOTO procedures whenever working on applicable equipment.
• Report equipment that does not have LOTO procedures and may pose a hazard to your immediate supervisor or EHS.
• Apply their own locks and tags when servicing or repairing equipment.
• Remove their own locks and tags when Authorized Personnel are not working on equipment, work shift ends, or when work is complete.
• Communicate and coordinate LOTO work with affected personnel, and others as needed.

• Understand the LOTO guidelines and how it affects equipment in your area.
• Understand that no one should touch or try to start up equipment that has been locked out and/or tagged out.
• Understand and follow instructions from authorized personnel.
• Seek out trained authorized personnel to service and maintain equipment that may potentially release hazardous energy.
• Report all incidents and near misses involving the release of hazardous energy to your supervisor immediately.
• Ensure placed lockout devices are only removed by authorized personnel who placed them.
• Report all damaged or unsafe equipment to your immediate supervisor or EHS so that it may be properly locked or tagged out.

• Development and maintenance of the Bates College LOTO guidelines, procedures, and associated forms.
• Consultation and assistance to departments on the development of their LOTO procedures, available upon request.
• Provide and coordinate LOTO training to authorized personnel.
• Annual review of the LOTO guidelines for each organization and procedures.

Authorized Personnel:

• Always communicate and coordinate LOTO work with affected personnel, and others as needed.
• Always follow LOTO procedures when working on applicable equipment.
• Suggest changes to LOTO procedures that need improvement for safety reasons.
• Report equipment that does not have LOTO procedures and may pose a hazard.
• Report all incidents and near misses involving the release of hazardous energy to your supervisor immediately and to EHS.
• Contact EHS for advice and additional information.

Employees, students, and visitors, including affected personnel:

• Ask questions if unclear about the LOTO program and procedures and how it affects your work area.
• Know what equipment in the area needs to be maintained and serviced using LOTO procedures.
• Know who are the authorized personnel for your area.
• Never touch or try to start up equipment that has been locked and tagged out, and tell others as needed.
• Ask about equipment that does not have LOTO procedures and you think may pose a hazard.
• Understand and follow instructions from authorized personnel.
• Report all incidents and near misses involving the release of hazardous energy to your supervisor immediately.
• Contact EHS for advice or additional information.