Servicing and/or maintenance of equipment is an important aspect of keeping assets protected. It can also be a source of tragedy if not approached properly. This is why companies performing construction activities need proper lockout/tagout procedures.

Sometimes employees are required to place parts of their bodies into areas on machines or equipment where work is actually performed. Lockout/tagout procedures can prevent accidental exposures from electrical, mechanical, pneumatic, hydraulic, chemical, and thermal energy sources.

The construction rules actually mention mechanical lockout/tagout in only one place, and that is for mechanical concrete and masonry equipment (1926.703(j)). However, this one place has specific rules to apply to lockout/tagout procedures for mechanical equipment. Employers must ensure:

• No employee is permitted to perform maintenance or repair activity on equipment (such as compressors, mixers, screens, or pumps used for concrete and masonry construction activities) where the inadvertent operation of the equipment could occur and cause injury, unless all potential hazardous energy sources have been locked out and tagged.
• Tags read “Do Not Start” or similar language to indicate that the equipment is not to be operated.

In order to lockout and tag equipment, and ensure the safety of your employee performing maintenance or repairs, you need to have an effective program or procedure.