If you are not familiar with 29 CFR 1910.147, this is OSHA’s standard for The Control of Hazardous Energy (lockout/tagout). If employees at your facility conduct any service or maintenance of machines or equipment, the development and implementation of a lockout/tagout program must be evaluated.
29 CFR 1910.147 covers the servicing and maintenance of machines or equipment in which the unexpected start up of the machine or equipment, or release of stored energy, could harm employees. Hazardous energy sources include electrical, hydraulic, mechanical, pneumatic, chemical, thermal, or any other source that would harm an employee. Serious injuries, and even fatalities, can result when hazardous energy is not controlled appropriately during service and maintenance.
Proper lockout/tagout procedures are addressed in the standard. Once you have determined the appropriate procedures, all affected employees must be trained so they know and understand the program, and are able to follow the procedures to control hazardous energy. Training must equip workers with the knowledge and skills necessary to safety apply, use, and remove energy control devices. When a lockout/tagout program is implemented, all employees who work in the area must be made aware of the program and the importance of not attempting to tamper with energy control devices.