Holiday Shut Downs/Lockout/Tagout Safety

It’s already November and the holiday season is upon us. With the holidays come plant shut downs. During the holiday season, our vendors become overwhelmed with last minute orders and shipments risk being delivered late or even worse...back ordered. To ensure your shut down goes smoothly, review your project early and place your orders now.

We want assist you in any way possible therefore, we will confirm ship dates and track your shipments. Check your shut off valves that you will be depending upon, can you guarantee they will hold? If you are unsure order a spare valve bonnet and have it on hand. Spot check under the insulation where the work is to be performed and ensure the piping has plenty of metal for a weld. Do you have enough lockout/tagout supplies on hand? Is your scope of work clearly outlined? Please take a few minutes to review your checklist and let us know if we can help you locate any parts or need assistance with your shut down planning. Our technicians will be glad to walk through your projects with you and act as a second set or eyes. Call our parts department for any immediate needs.

Lockout/Tagout (LOTO)

Before maintenance, construction, demolition, or servicing of equipment that requires entrance into or close contact with live equipment, the power shall be disconnected, locked out, tagged and verified de-energized.

Working on equipment and systems that have been de-energized is ALWAYS our first option. If for some reason we are unable to de-energize that equipment, an Energized Electrical Work Permit shall be completed and signed by the customer before proceeding.

Electrical

Electrical sources shall have the main power switch locked out, and if possible, the fuses removed.

Locks with dissimilar keys shall be provided to each person working on the job. Multiple locking devices shall be provided for group LOTO. Tags shall be attached to each lock indicating the date, the name of the person attaching the lock and the location where he/she is working.

Moving Equipment

The main power source(s) shall be locked out; drive gear locked out; and tags applied as above.

Other Energy Sources

Other power sources shall be rendered inoperative as directed by a qualified supervisor. Note that red, 50# strength Panduit straps are allowed (if approved by management and safety) as lockout de-vices with tagout for certain applications.

Locks and Tags

Locks and tags shall be attached and removed only by the individual directly involved in the operation. The last person removing their lock shall ensure that there are no persons exposed should the power be turned on.

Step One - Prepare for shut down

Step Two - Shut down equipment

Step Three - Disconnect the energy-isolating devices

Step Four - Render all stored and residual energy sources safe

Step Five - Apply the LOTO devices

Step Six - Verify isolation and de-energization of equipment before work

Step Seven - After work, reactivate the equipment