Safety Meeting Presentation: Lockout/Tagout

Safety Meeting Presentation

LOCKOUT/TAGOUT

Introduction

We're here today to discuss the importance of following proper lockout procedures. I know most of you are familiar with the hazards associated with a machine, the more comfortable you get. As a result, you might start taking shortcuts, forgetting about your safety.

But just recently, in North Carolina, a maintenance worker got his foot caught under the wheels of a machine. His foot was crushed and had to be amputated. Why? He failed to follow proper lockout procedures. Every time you prepare to work on a machine and consider taking a shortcut to save yourself some time or hassle, I want you to think of about this guy. Then think about yourself and how you'd feel about losing a finger or hand, or even your life.

Hazard Recognition

Shortcomings in lockout/tagout procedures are generally near the top of the list of OSHA's most frequently cited violations. Failing to lock out equipment can cause extremely serious accidents and injuries. It's absolutely vital that you follow proper procedures any time you are repairing a machine, performing routine maintenance or cleaning it . The shortcuts just aren't worth it.

In fact, any machine is a hazard it has dangerous moving parts or could, in any way, injure a worker. The good news is that any hazardous machine can also be effectively locked out. Let's take a look at specific lockout procedures.

[Hand out procedures to employees. Discuss each step of the lockout procedure, adding procedures specific to your facility wherever appropriate. Be sure that each trainee understands and can perform each of the steps]

The key to lockout/tagout is to make sure that the equipment you are about to work on is completely shut down. Before you begin the shut-down, however, make sure you know what you're dealing with. You must know the type and magnitude of the energy you're working with as well as the potential hazards and the proper way to control that energy. Once you know that, you must inform all affected employees that your are going to shut down the machine.

To shut it down, begin by using the normal stopping procedure, such as turning a switch to "off."

Next, isolate the machine. This means making sure all power sources, including the main power switch and the circuit, are turned off. (These power sou rces could include gas valves and other energy isolation valves as well.)

With that done, place a lock on the switch or other energy sources in the "off" position. Attach a warning tag to each lock.

Make sure you then relive any residual energy.

Finally, make sure no one is exposed to the machine. Turn it on as a test to ensure that everything has been properly shut down. When you're sure the re will be not accidental start-up, it is safe to begin working on the machine.

Conclusion

Some of you may be wondering whether this information really applies to you because you never have to perform jobs that require locking out. If this is what you're thinking, think again. Every person in this facility is responsible for safety. Even if y ou never have to shut down a machine, we count on you to understand the procedure. We count on each of you to pay attention to locks and tags. Someone's life may be on the line.

Have a safe day!!