Lockout

Correct lockout prevents serious injuries caused by the unexpected start-up or release of energy or hazardous substances when machines are being serviced or maintained.

There are four necessary actions in any lockout procedure:

1. Identify all energy sources connected with your work.
2. Disable, redirect, or stop all energy from becoming active during the repair or replacement.
3. Apply restraint devices to prevent the system from starting up while you work on it.
4. Confirm that you have reached a zero energy state by doing a restart or bump test.

[Ref. WorkSafe NB, Safety Talk-Lock out]

As an employer, you must:

• Establish a written lockout procedure for each and every machine for when it is cleaned, maintained, adjusted or repaired. [Reg. 91-191, S.239(3)]
• Ensure the energy source to a machine can be isolated and locked, is in a location familiar to all employees, and is properly identified. [Reg. 91-191, S.239(1)(a) to (c)]
• Provide safety locks and keys needed to lock out machines. [Reg. 91-191, S.239(2)]
• Train employees who need to lock out the machine on the procedure. [Reg. 91-191, S.239(3)]
• Ensure no one works on a machine until all the energy sources are locked out and it is placed in a zero energy state by a competent person. [Reg. 91-191, S.239(4)(a)]
• Make sure ALL employees who are working on the machine verify:
  • All energy sources are turned off
  • The machine is locked out with lock and key
  • Tags are placed on the lock and include directions to not start the machine, the employee's name and signature, and the date and time when the tag was placed. [Reg. 91-191, S.239(4)(b)]

• Confirm that all employees understand that no person is to remove a lock or tag except for the person who installed it, or in an emergency, a competent employee designated by the employer. [Reg. 91-191, S.239(6)]
• Where a lockout procedure is not appropriate or inadequate, the employer must establish and enforce a code of practice in consultation with the joint health and safety committee or health and safety representative. [Reg. 91-191, S.240]

While the employer is ultimately responsible for all the provisions mentioned above, the supervisor has a vital role to play in the safety of their teams. As a supervisor, you must:

• Acquaint your employees with the hazards and control measures associated with their work
• Provide the information and instruction necessary to ensure their health and safety
• Enforce company safety rules, programs, codes of practice and procedures, including ensuring employees comply with the requirements below.

As an employee, you must:

• Be trained and authorized by your employer to use a lockout procedure.
• Always follow the written lockout procedure (or code of practice) for each machine established by your employer and not take any shortcuts.
• Use only the locks and tags specified and provided by your employer.
• Secure your lock and tag it when a multiple lock device (scissor clamp), chain, or block is used on a machine.
• Only work on a machine after someone competent verifies the machine is in a zero energy state and locked out and tested.
• Understand that locks are your personal security devices that can only be removed by the person who controls the lock (you).
• Clear the work area before reactivating the machine or equipment.

When you put your multiple lock device (scissor clamp), chain, or block on a piece of equipment, you also have to lock and tag it. [Reference: WorkSafe NB, Safety Talk-Lock out]