In this Safetip, we talk about the importance of identifying all hazardous energy sources, as part of a Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) program.
A LOTO program protects workers from hazardous energy releases
When dangerous machines are not properly shut off, they can be started again before maintenance or servicing work is completed. The unexpected startup or release of stored energy can result in serious worker injury or fatality. LOTO is a safety procedure to ensure dangerous machines are properly shut off and not able to be started again.
There are many different sources of hazardous energy
According to the BLR report, 10 Tips to Implementing a Lockout/Tagout Program, LOTO programs make the common mistake of identifying a machine’s main power source, generally its electrical power source. They neglect to identify other potential sources of hazardous energy that can cause equipment to move unexpectedly or suddenly release energy that could harm workers.
The BLR report mentions the following sources of potentially hazardous energy that should also be identified when writing LOTO procedures:
- Mechanical energy. Energy created by a machine’s moving parts, like wheels, springs or elevated parts.
- Hydraulic energy. The energy of pressurized, moving liquids, usually water or oil, in accumulators or lines.
- Pneumatic energy. The energy of pressurized, moving gas, as found in air in tanks and lines.
- Chemical energy. Energy created by a chemical reaction between two or more substances.
- Thermal energy. Heat energy; most commonly, steam energy.
- Stored energy. Energy stored in batteries and capacitors.
Be sure to think beyond electrical power and consider all potential hazardous energy sources when drafting LOTO procedures.