OSHA’s standard for the Control of Hazardous Energy allows us three (3) means in which we can identify our Lockout locks:
| 1910.147(c)(5)(ii)(B) Standardized. Lockout and tagout devices shall be standardized within the facility in at least one of the following criteria: Color; shape; or size; and additionally, in the case of tagout devices, print and format shall be standardized. |
However, many facilities still have not simplified their LOTO programs to specify which means are used at their facility. Here is an excellent explanation from OSHA (2002 LOI)…
(emphasis added by me)
At a minimum, a lock’s shape, size, or color MUST provide employees with the capability to identify and distinguish a lockout device from other similar devices (e.g., security locks) in the workplace. This hardware standardization requirement requires devices to:
- be UNIQUE to the particular use (the only ones authorized for that purpose);
- be SINGULARLY identified,
- be DURABLE,
- be STANDARDIZED,
- SUBSTANTIAL; and
- IDENTIFY the user
Moreover, the lockout devices CANNOT be used for purposes other than the control of hazardous energy.
As I have explained, we can have multiple colors, shapes, or sizes. We cannot have a hodgepodge of colors, shapes, and sizes! I also want to reiterate that merely hanging a “TAG-OUT” tag on a lock does NOT make that lock a Lockout Lock!!!!!
Source: Color is not the only prescribed factor for the standardization of LOTO devices. – 08/30/2002