I am working in an environment where we are increasing emphasis on proper LOTO procedures. New personnel and management and that is fine. Normally if I have to deenergize something for service that may become a hazard I am happy to break out a lock and a tag.
the other day there was a call for a hardwired chem fridge that was not working, but still under warranty.
my brief report was:
I believe management will call for a factory rep to come look at it.
He may come when no electrician is on duty and may not have access to a key to electrical room.
I figure I have to leave it so it is de-energized, safe and yet accessible to off site srvc personnel
I left it as follows: I capped off the 110v line wires in the adjacent explosion proof jbox.
I left the breaker closed in.
I closed up the jbox with its gasketed Bell box cover.
I taped my card with my number to the fridge and told my supervisor.
Management is writing new policy and I would agree that this would not be in the new procedures, since I did not "lock it out" or "put a proper tag on it" but one person said that it was left in an illegal state
According to wikipedia Lockout-tagout (LOTO) or lock and tag is a safety procedure which is used in industry and research settings to ensure that dangerous machines are properly shut off and not started up again prior to the completion of maintenance or servicing work. It requires that hazardous power sources be "isolated and rendered inoperative" before any repair procedure is started. "Lock and tag" works in conjunction with a lock usually locking the device or the power source with the hasp, and placing it in such a position that no hazardous power sources can be turned on. The procedure requires that a tag be affixed to the locked device indicating that it should not be turned on.
Basically, I was wrong in that it was not locked out.
On the other hand, the disconnect was in sight of the machine and the open wire was not readily accessible.
Also, it was especially left in this condition so that outside service personnel could be able to test the unit for warranty work.
Any comments
the other day there was a call for a hardwired chem fridge that was not working, but still under warranty.
my brief report was:
Not fixed. Warranty item. Chem guys should move chemicals if unsafe.
My finding here is that 110v power is present and motor circuit is open, likely in the overload or the windings.
Further, the thermostat stays closed and will not open. This could be due to the temperature sensor wire shown in photo.
This thermostat would have the effect of making refrigerator run day and night. 24/7 until motor poss burned up
there's an overload protector in the circuit that I did not check.
I did not open the motor enclosure to test overload protection due to warranty concerns.
Considering the recent age of the installation, I suggest motor be repaired as a warranty item
###NOTE###
Chemical Fridge is neither repaired or functioning.
###
Alternate arrangements should be made to store the chemicals if, in the judgment of chemistry personnel, safety or property protection depends on refrigerated temperatures ###
My finding here is that 110v power is present and motor circuit is open, likely in the overload or the windings.
Further, the thermostat stays closed and will not open. This could be due to the temperature sensor wire shown in photo.
This thermostat would have the effect of making refrigerator run day and night. 24/7 until motor poss burned up
there's an overload protector in the circuit that I did not check.
I did not open the motor enclosure to test overload protection due to warranty concerns.
Considering the recent age of the installation, I suggest motor be repaired as a warranty item
###NOTE###
Chemical Fridge is neither repaired or functioning.
###
Alternate arrangements should be made to store the chemicals if, in the judgment of chemistry personnel, safety or property protection depends on refrigerated temperatures ###
I believe management will call for a factory rep to come look at it.
He may come when no electrician is on duty and may not have access to a key to electrical room.
I figure I have to leave it so it is de-energized, safe and yet accessible to off site srvc personnel
I left it as follows: I capped off the 110v line wires in the adjacent explosion proof jbox.
I left the breaker closed in.
I closed up the jbox with its gasketed Bell box cover.
I taped my card with my number to the fridge and told my supervisor.
Management is writing new policy and I would agree that this would not be in the new procedures, since I did not "lock it out" or "put a proper tag on it" but one person said that it was left in an illegal state
According to wikipedia Lockout-tagout (LOTO) or lock and tag is a safety procedure which is used in industry and research settings to ensure that dangerous machines are properly shut off and not started up again prior to the completion of maintenance or servicing work. It requires that hazardous power sources be "isolated and rendered inoperative" before any repair procedure is started. "Lock and tag" works in conjunction with a lock usually locking the device or the power source with the hasp, and placing it in such a position that no hazardous power sources can be turned on. The procedure requires that a tag be affixed to the locked device indicating that it should not be turned on.
Basically, I was wrong in that it was not locked out.
On the other hand, the disconnect was in sight of the machine and the open wire was not readily accessible.
Also, it was especially left in this condition so that outside service personnel could be able to test the unit for warranty work.
Any comments