4.05 – Lockout

POLICY

Griffin Properties Ltd. will ensure all necessary precautions are taken at the workplace to protect all workers from the hazards associated with inadvertent and/or unexpected start-up of machinery, equipment or the release of an energy source.

PROCEDURE

Definitions
  1. “lockout” means the use of a lock or locks to render machinery or equipment inoperable or to isolate an energy source in accordance with a written procedure.
  2. “personal lock” means a lock provided by the employer for use by a worker so that when applied is operable only by a key in the worker’s possession, and by a key under the control of the supervisor or manager in charge.
General
  1. If the unexpected energization or startup of machinery or equipment or the unexpected release of an energy source could cause injury, the energy source will be isolated and effectively controlled.
  2. A means will be provided to safely release the stored energy from the equipment before any work begins; if a valve in a pipe could leak and allow water, steam, compressed air or other potentially hazardous substance to reach persons working on the equipment, the pipe shall be blanked off.
  3. Anytime machinery or equipment is shut down for maintenance, no work may be done until:
    • a) all parts and attachments have been secured against inadvertent movement
    • b) where the work will expose workers to energy sources, the hazard has been effectively controlled, and
    • c) the energy isolating devices have been effectively locked out
  4. If machinery or equipment is in use for normal production work, lockout is required if the work activity creates a risk of injury to workers and is not effectively safeguarded to protect the workers from the risk.
Lockout
  1. The site supervisor or designate will ensure an effective means of verifying lockout is provided and used.
  2. Each worker who works on machinery or equipment requiring lockout will:
    • a) lock out the energy isolating devices before starting work, except as provided by group lockout procedures
    • b) before commencing work, verify that all energy sources have been effectively locked out
    • c) maintaining immediate control of the key(s) to personal locks throughout the duration of the work
    • d) remove personal locks on the completion of his or her work
  3. When an energy isolating device is locked out, the lock will not prevent access to other energy isolating devices supplying machinery or equipment that could cause injury to workers.
Locking Devices
  1. When lockout of energy isolating devices is required the worker requiring a lock will ensure the site supervisor or designate is aware that a lock out is occurring.
  2. All devices will be secured in the safe position using only locks designated for the use of lockout; combination locks will not be used.
  3. Each personal lock will be marked or tagged with the following information:
    • a) workers name
    • b) supervisors name
    • c) type of work being performed
    • d) date and time the work started
  4. Anytime a shift change or worker rotation occurs the site supervisor or designate will ensure that the departing workers lock is removed and the entering workers lock is secured without out risk of inadvertent energization or startup of equipment.
Watchman
  1. If the use of a personal lock is not practicable for lockout then a tag will be affixed and a designated worker will be assigned in place of a lock to ensure no inadvertent energization or start-up of equipment occurs.
  2. The watchman will have no other duties at the time and he/she will remain at his/her post until told by the site supervisor that he/she may leave.
Removal of Locks
  1. A personal lock will only be removed by the worker who installed it, or if this is not possible, the matter will be reported immediately to the site supervisor who will:
    • a) make every reasonable effort to contact the worker who installed the lock, and
    • b) ensure that the machinery or equipment can be operated safely before removing the lock
  2. A worker will be notified at the start of his or her next shift if the worker’s personal lock(s) have been removed since the worker’s previous shift; failure to remove a lock prior to leaving the worksite may result in disciplinary action. (Disciplinary Action)
Locks Not Required
  1. The application of a lock is not required if:
    • a) the energy isolating device is under the exclusive and immediate control of the worker at all times while working on the machinery or equipment, or
    • b) a tool, machine or piece of equipment which receives power through a readily disconnected supply is disconnected from its power supply and its connection point is kept under the immediate control of the worker at all times. (Electrical)
  2. If it is not practicable to shut down machinery or equipment for maintenance, only the parts which are vital to the process may remain energized and the site supervisor will prepare a site-specific procedure for the work to be done.
  3. In addition to (2) the work will only be performed by workers who
    • a) are qualified to do the work,
    • b) have been authorized by the employer/supervisor to do the work, and
    • c) have been provided with a copy of the site-specific procedure
Before Work Commences
  1. When work is completed on locked out machinery or equipment, and before any locks or tags are removed, all guards, fences and other safety devices will be replaced.
  2. In addition to (1) workers will report to the operator or supervisor when work is complete and safe to commence start-up.
Training
  1. All employees will receive documented, on-site training of the following:
    • a) policy and procedure
    • b) practical, hands on demonstration