Last year, we came across a very interesting LOTO practice that we completely disagreed with, but we were the only ones in the room who were not in agreement, so I think we may need to be “calibrated” in our LOTO expectations! I am not saying I will ever agree with this practice at a…...
Have you ever seen/heard of this LOTO practice before? Read More »
Recently, I spent some time with a new (and unlisted) client who experienced a severe LOTO accident, resulting in a severe injury to an employee. I was asked to review their programs and practices related to the control of hazardous energy (e.g., LOTO). Everything looked good until we got to the “periodic inspection” requirement. As…...
LOTO Periodic Inspections and their significance Read More »
Some of you may recognize these suggestions, but for those unfamiliar with them, I will wait and surprise you at the end of this article to find out where these “suggestions” came from! Nonetheless, any workplace utilizing Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) should consider implementing these into their existing program. For those in the General Industry, many facilities…...
LOTO Program Suggestions from a reliable source! Read More »
So this week my good friend “Jim” and I were talking about an “accepted practice” that has grown into an “industry practice” and how OSHA has definitely drawn the line on the “cord and plug” LOTO practice such that it does NOT include valves. This “practice” involves the concept of defining “exclusive control of an energy isolating…...
OSHA has cited a manufacturing plant for four safety violations, including a repeat violation for failing to protect workers by locking out the energy sources of presses at its facility, following an inspection that began in October 2011. The company manufactures automotive parts using hot and cold forging methods. Proposed fines total $51,000…. Membership Required You...
That is a foot jammed between the head pulley and the belt!!! Members can click on “Read More” below for the full story and additional photos. These photos were sent in by a member, who also told his story:… Membership Required You must be a member to access this content.View Membership LevelsAlready a member?...
LOCK IT OUT!!! WARNING – Image may be upsetting to some Read More »
This is always a good discussion during our audits and training, and one where my team and I feel OSHA is technically wrong in their standard. Let me explain…… Membership Required You must be a member to access this content.View Membership LevelsAlready a member? Log in here...
Is tagging a blind flange or slip blind “tagout”? Read More »
The IRSST has recently published a technical data sheet that provides companies with a means of verifying the content of a lockout program. Lockout is defined as placing a lock or tag on an energy-isolating device following an established procedure, indicating that the energy-isolating device is not to be operated until the removal of the…...
Verifying the content of lockout programs Read More »
OUTSTANDING 3-minute video from WorkSafe BC on Guarding and LOTO; but the best part of the video is they use a conveyor system as the focal point of the LOTO and Guarding discussion. The video could be used as a “Conveyor Hazard Identification Training” video…. Membership Required You must be a member to access this...
Supervision in Manufacturing – Guards & Lockout (Video) Read More »
There are a few times I can’t entirely agree with OSHA’s position on safety, and when I do, it has always been that the agency has been “too soft,” but not this time. In a recent citation, OSHA cited a steel mill for improper LOTO after a driver got out of his truck and went…...
OSHA, LOTO and the unexpected movement of trucks Read More »
In the past few years, I have encountered these lockout devices for light switches. I even witnessed an OSHA Outreach Trainer using a picture of a similar device in a 10-hr OSHA course during his LOTO presentation. Now I know that a light switch can be wired in a special way that could make it…...
Proper LOTO or a serious problem? (POLL) Read More »
Last week I posted the requirements for workers verifying a Zero Energy State (ZES), and it was ALL about operators and NOT electrical workers. In this post, I will explain the EXTRA steps that “qualified electrical workers” MUST DO BEFORE they begin their electrical work. I will use the OSHA regulation for electrical work…1910.333 “Selection…...
Verifying ZES is DIFFERENT for electrical workers! Read More »
