Group Lockout

[rmonroe]

When implementing a group Lockout/Tagout 1910.147 (f) (3)) does this mean that only one locking and or tagging device is used for that group?

 

[bphgravity]

Not generally. Usually, there is a designated authorized person whom applies the group lockout device. Each employee performing the work then applies their personal device. When work is completed, each personal device must be removed before the authorized "person-in-charge" can remove the group device.

 

[rmonroe]

Thanks Bryn for the information...that what I thought.

Have a Great Sunday

 

[George Stolz]

Not generally. Usually, there is a designated authorized person whom applies the group lockout device. Each employee performing the work then applies their personal device. When work is completed, each personal device must be removed before the authorized "person-in-charge" can remove the group device.

For anyone not picturing it, here is a group lockout device.

Up to six people can insert their own lock into this device, so it can't be turned back on without first removing their personal lock.

 

[dlhoule]

Our group lockout device consists of a lockbox with 30 places for a lock. When you witness the keys for the locks being put on equipment to be locked out, placed inside this box you put your lock on the box. There is no master key for the locks being placed on the equipment. there is one key in the box for each lock in the box.

For anyone not picturing it, here is a group lockout device.

George is correct. That also is a group lockout device. Personally I don't recommend the use of these if it involves more than 6 people. With most of that type, all it takes is a screwdrive and channellocs to take the 2nd one off.

 

[wildman]

The scissor lockout device is what we use at the industry where I work...
The device has six spaces to affix locks....should 6 locks be affixed, a second scissor is applied to the sixth hole.....that way if something comes up, more spaces are available without having to go through the removal process....WE had an employee go home and leave his lock on....employee had to return to mill(at his own expense) and remove lock!....Had a supervisor cut a lock one time....he was immediately terminated....only safety superintendent is allowed to cut a lock, after a long trail of paperwork is completed and job is inspected to assure employee is not in the mill and no one is working on said equipment.....anyone caught damaging lockout devices is immediately terminated...!

 

[don_resqcapt19]

Larry,

With most of that type, all it takes is a screwdrive and channellocs to take the 2nd one off.

Yes, but with most of the lock boxes you can open them enough to shake a key out of the box, or you could just take a hammer to it. I don't see any safety difference between the two types of group lockouts. In both cases there is no real problem bypassing the lockout if someone really wants to. Of course you can always use a master key (bolt cutters) on the lock too.
If any one would do anything like that they should be fired on the spot and escorted off of the job.
Don

 

[dlhoule]

Larry,

Yes, but with most of the lock boxes you can open them enough to shake a key out of the box, or you could just take a hammer to it. I don't see any safety difference between the two types of group lockouts. In both cases there is no real problem bypassing the lockout if someone really wants to. Of course you can always use a master key (bolt cutters) on the lock too.
If any one would do anything like that they should be fired on the spot and escorted off of the job.
Don

I agree wholeheartedly and if every place operated that way, we as an industry would be much better off. Our facility had an electrician put what we refer to as an area lock (with a tag explaining what work was being done) on a piece of equipment. He used area lock because he wasn't expecting to be able to complete job by the end of his shift and thought it would save a little time. We can't leave our personal locks on machine if we are not available to unlock it. Anyway, he finished job and was on his way to take lock off, when it was cut off with master key (bolt cutter). He and I both felt the lock should not have been cut. He had key for lock in his pocket, but he was given time off for not using his personal lock. The supervisor who cut lock off received no penalty whatsoever.

Cutting torch can also be used for a master key.

 

[tomP]

Anyway, he finished job and was on his way to take lock off, when it was cut off with master key (bolt cutter). He and I both felt the lock should not have been cut. He had key for lock in his pocket, but he was given time off for not using his personal lock. The supervisor who cut lock off received no penalty whatsoever.

If there truly was a tag explaining the reason for the lockout my question is.
Does your safety dept (hourly and salary) condone this type of removal of a safety device?? If so they should resign and allow someone with knowledge of lock out procedure take over that position before they kill or injure someone. This not only violates the law, but common sense also.

 

[dlhoule]

If there truly was a tag explaining the reason for the lockout my question is.
Does your safety dept (hourly and salary) condone this type of removal of a safety device?? If so they should resign and allow someone with knowledge of lock out procedure take over that position before they kill or injure someone. This not only violates the law, but common sense also.

Well, in fairness; it took over 60 days but the electrician did get paid for his time off and the supervisor received 2 weeks off without pay. It just so happened that those 2 weeks occurred during the time he had planned on taking his vacation.