OSHA requires you to have an effective lockout/tagout program and train employees involved in or affected by LOTO. All employees who work with or around machinery and equipment should be trained to understand the importance of lockout/tagout and how it affects workplace safety.
All employees who work with and around equipment that can be locked out need to understand:
- Why lockout/tagout is important
- How the procedures work
- The importance of not attempting to repair or service machinery without going through the proper procedures
Make sure all trainees understand their designation as “authorized,” “affected,” or “other” under the lockout/tagout standard, as well as their responsibilities related to your LOTO program.
For example, only “authorized” employees are allowed to perform lockout/tagout and repair equipment. “Affected” employees, such as machine operators, should report any problems with machinery and equipment rather than trying to fix it themselves. “Other” employees, such as those who work around machinery, should not interfere with locks or remove tags.
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LOTO Procedure
Trainees should also realize that lockout/tagout is a very specific procedure. Specific steps required by OSHA regulations must be followed, and the steps must be performed in the correct order.
Required steps for LOTO are:
- Prepare for shutdown.
- Notify affected employees.
- Turn off the machine or equipment.
- Locate and isolate all energy sources.
- Lock out the switches or other energy controls.
- Test the operating controls.
- Put operating controls back in the ”off” or “safe” position.
- Test the circuits and electrical parts.
- Perform necessary service or repairs.
These steps should be demonstrated during your training session so that trainees both hear and see the procedure.
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Ready-Made LOTO Training
Where lockout/tagout training is concerned, you can’t afford to take shortcuts. Make sure training is complete and effective. The consequences of failing to adequately train employees are not something you want to contemplate—or experience.
That’s what makes OSHA Training System such a unique training product. It doesn’t take shortcuts. It’s complete and effective. And it’s easy to implement.
As its name implies, OSHA Training System meets your full training needs, whether it’s lockout/tagout or one of the many other OSHA-required or OSHA-recommended training topics.
All the materials are prepared in advance, so no prep time is required. All you do is reproduce what you need and put it to use. Materials include:
- 32 complete safety units, meeting every key OSHA standard. Each includes full background for trainers, a ready-to-use safety meeting, and follow-up handouts. View a Table of Contents.
- Quizzes, handouts, and copies of 27 different employee booklets, coordinated to the safety meetings. (Booklets can be bought in any quantity at a discount.)
- A complete training recordkeeping and tracking system that tells you which employees need what training, and then tracks your program to ensure they get it.
- Quarterly updates, included with the program. You receive at least 4 new safety units every 90 days, covering new or revised OSHA standards and training needs.
If you share the common problem of never having enough time or the right materials for training, we suggest you examine the OSHA Training System program. We’ve arranged for you to do so for up to 30 days at no cost or risk. Just let us know and we’ll be happy to make all the arrangements.
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