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Lockout is the process of turning off and locking out the flow of energy from a power source to a piece of equipment or a circuit, and keeping it locked out. Lockout is accomplished by installing a lockout device at the power source. Lockout is accomplished by installing a lockout device at the power source so that equipment powered by that source cannot be operated.
Tagout is placing a tag on the power source. The tag acts as a warning not to restore energy-it is not a physical restraint. Tags must clearly state: Do Not Start (or Operate). Both lock and tags must be strong enough to prevent unauthorized removal and to withstand various environmental conditions.
Some examples of lockout/tagout requirements of the OSHA construction regulations are:
- Electrical controls, equipment, and circuits
- Tag all controls that are to be deactivated during the course of work on energized or deenergized equipment or circuits.
- Render equipment or circuits that are deenergized inoperative and attach tags at all points where such equipment or circuits can be energized.
- Place tags to plainly identify the equipment or circuits being worked on.
- Mechanical equipment
No employee is permitted to perform maintenance or repairactivity 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 must read Do Not Start or similar language so the equipment is not operated.