equipment label Lockout

[stevansimmons]

equipment label Lockout

I am implementing an equipment label for lockout/tagout in our plant. This label will identify the lockout device for the equipment in question. The label wouldalso give other relevant info. I'd like to use any standards already available or other suggestions for the label. Thanks for your input.

 

[Len_B]

Re: equipment label Lockout

Re: equipment label Lockout

Stevan,

A few ideas we use:

The "Danger" tag must be a photo ID danger tag, or a generic danger tag signed and dated by the "authorized person".

Additionally, we require a second tag called a LOTO verification tag that requires the "authorized person" to initial boxes for:

LOTO INSTALLATION
1)Notification of "affected" personnel---e.g. operators and/or production dept
2)Identification and Isolation of energy sources: electrical, mechanical, hydraulic, air, chemical, thermal, radiation, other
3)Release of stored energy sources: capacitors, gravitational, air and hydraulic accumulators, others
4)Verification TRY to turn on the machine and/or operate the equipment.

LOTO REMOVAL
1)Inspection All tools and non-essential equipment have been removed.
2)Personnel have been safely positioned or removed
3)LOTO devices removed
4)Notification All affected employees and departments have been notified that the equipment is back in service.

For multiple lock outs we use colored and numbered lock sets. A "Multiple LOTO Sheet" identifies each device by tag number; e.g. Danger Tag and lock #1; HV-101(hand valve 101); Date & Initials; Normal Operating Position; LOTO position; etc.---Danger Tag and lock #2; LP-102, 32(lighting panel 102, breaker #32) etc, etc.
The sheet continues with check off boxes for putting the equipment back in service.

For routine lock-outs, confined space entry, etc. we have SOP's on the computer that coordinate the LOTO by using tags on valves, disconnects, etc. For example: a saved multiple lock out sheet( for a specific piece of equipment) would include the device numbers(valve numbers, electrical disconnects, etc.) and locked positions for all devices required to ensure a safe LOTO. The valves and motor disconnects have permanent LOTO tags(in addition to their device tags) for ease in locating.

A system such as this could be done on an equipment tag basis for smaller, less complicated machines. The tag for a band saw for instance could show LOTO points required for blade motor and coolant pump motor. (Digital photos with arrows, etc, make the LOTO tags much more self-explanatory.)

Hope this helps,

Len

[ March 03, 2003, 12:08 PM: Message edited by: Len_B ]

 

[dacreman]

Re: equipment label Lockout

Re: equipment label Lockout

There has been some good advice in this forum.Our plant presently observes similar rules as those listed in the above reply. We follow the LOTO rules but we issue seperate locks that only the techs have the keys for. In our case, shift change occurs and a lock is left on from time to time. We then have a written removal procedure in which supervision inspects the machine or production line and determines if the line is ready to run. Every attempt is made to contact the person who owns the lock to come in and unlock it but, truthfully we cut the locks off more often than not.
We had locks that other people had access to keys but 2 accidents and 2 more times of damaging equipment, the one lock one key method is much safer.

[ March 06, 2003, 03:54 AM: Message edited by: dacreman ]

 

[jbfan74]

Re: equipment label Lockout

Re: equipment label Lockout

Len-B We have the same type of verification form you are talking about, but we changed the heading of affected personnal, to supervisor or workleader. We mainly work on conveyor systems and with 20 people putting items on the belt at any time, it was determined it could take us as long to notify each person as to fix the problem at times. That is why we changed ours. The rest is almost word for word as ours. Must have come from the same web site!!!

[ March 08, 2003, 10:52 PM: Message edited by: jbfan74 ]

 

[Len_B]

Re: equipment label Lockout

Re: equipment label Lockout

jbfan74,

We use "affected" and "authorized" (personnel) to keep with OSHA's terminology (if there's one thing we do well it's CYA). Many times this is as simple as telling the supervisor or just hanging the tag...

Len

 

[pwhite]

Re: equipment label Lockout

Re: equipment label Lockout

don't forget about the following stickers:
1. main dicsonnect sticker
2. voltage stickers (480,240,120)
3. air lock out tag.

4. "this panel supplied by more than one
power source" - i forgot it one time and in
a hot and sweaty environment - i won't forget
that lesson. in fact, i have a premade tag
to fasten onto control panels if there is no
labeling.

 

[tom baker]

Re: equipment label Lockout

Re: equipment label Lockout

Resources:
NFPA 70E Standard for Electrtical Safety Requirements for Employee Workplaces is a good resource as it has a model Lockout program. Additionally it is deferred to by OSHA for any safety requirements.

Most of your lock out suppliers have training they can help you with, one that comes to mind is Ideal.

Also don't forget your labels to comply with NEC 110.16 - Brady, Ideal and T&B all have them now.

[ March 10, 2003, 07:44 PM: Message edited by: tom baker ]