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Don't Save Time, Save
Lives.........Always Lock out.
Eight years ago, the UAW and GM set new
policies and standards for lockout energy control. Our standards are
higher than those set by OSHA, the Federal Government Agency responsible
for  Health
and Safety Standards. There is no doubt that these tough standards have
helped us avoid injuries and save lives. But serious incidents that
could have been avoided through lockout have still occurred. In almost
every instance, lockout procedures were disregarded or ignored. People
have been seriously maimed. Lives have been lost.
Lockout during any exposure to hazardous energy is not optional. It is
mandatory.
Our lockout procedures, the best in the industry, can only save lives
when they are implemented.
Here, in brief, are some of the "rules of the road".
They must be followed. For the purpose of lockout control, we identify
workers as either affected persons or authorized persons. An affected
person is anyone whose duties are affected by the lockout. This
includes supervisors. Affected persons must be notified in advance of
the intention to shut down and lockout for service.
An authorized person is the person performing the task, and he or she is
responsible for locking out energy sources. Note that all affected
person can become an authorized person if called on to enter the area
being serviced.
This may happen, for example, if help is needed to remove a part. That
person now becomes responsible and has the authority to ensure that safe
lockout procedures are followed. If you are unsure of your safety, don't
perform the task, see your supervisor.
Energy lockout does not mean simply turning off the power. Surprisingly,
some people still think this is all that is needed to perform a
so-called "easy fix". Hazard Awareness is only the first step
used to determine if you are exposed to hazardous energy or machine
motion. The energy source must be isolated, neutralized and locked out.
Stored energy must be released. Parts that could move due to gravity or
any other reason must be blocked or otherwise eliminated as a hazard.
Then, verify the isolation of the equipment. Attempt to start the
equipment; being clear of danger, to assure that it is properly shut
down. Every step of the operation must be planned in advance to identify
hazards and eliminate or control them. Then, verify that the hazardous
energy has been neutralized.
Some of the energy related hazards that must be identified and planned
for include:
1. Pinch points
2. Items that a person can be struck by
3. Things that an arm or leg can get caught in
4. Things that a person can strike against
5. Equipment under pressure
6. Contact with live electricity or hot surfaces
7. Shear points or compression points
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