If that is true it is just another example of the unsurprising ridiculousness of our government. Perhaps we should put locks on every panel in every new construction we work on, even when the utility isn't hooked up yet, because you never know, someone may sneak in and turn it on.
I work in a saw mill, and ocasionally we have shut-downs for installation/upgrade of equipment with multiple trades, company employee's and conttractors. There usually is not room for
everyone's locks on a bucket/disconnect without using 20 lock-out trees. So in this case, we use a master lock-out box, which means 1 lock goes on the bucket. Key for said lock goes in master box. There is now room for everyone to have they're own lock on it (cuz thats the
law!) with or without LOTO trees. If someone needs to cut a lock off, there is a set proceedure that
must be followed! A supervisor must be called in. He/she must make every effort (documented of course) to contact the owner of the lock to make sure they are not on site. If they cannot be contacted, a site search must be conducted to ensure they are not on site. Then, after they are absolutely sure the lock owner isn't on site, they can approve the locks removal,. And the lock owner
Will attend a LOTO class/refresher when/if they come back to work! That's how it's done here! Is it the law? Not sure, but it works!
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