RETURN TO SERVICE AFTER LOCK OUT
- The primary authorized individual assigned to de-energize and lock out equipment typically will be the one to return the equipment to service.
- Before lockout devices and locks are removed, the work area is inspected to check that all crew members associated with the lockout have been cleared from any hazardous areas and that all are accounted for.
- In addition, this person checks that all nonessential items have been removed and that the machine, equipment, or process is operationally intact.
- Personnel who could be affected by re-energization and equipment start-up must be notified by the person assigned to return the equipment to service.
- Once satisfied that the machine, equipment, or process is in a ready state, the primary authorized person removes any required locks, energy isolating devices, and tags.
- After lockout devices have been removed a formal startup procedure would be implemented, if applicable.
- If the equipment is to sit idle for a period of time, then a separate pre-start-up process should address the notification requirements.
LOCKOUT AND TAG REMOVAL WHEN AUTHORIZED PERSON IS ABSENT
- Occasionally a worker leaves the jobsite and leaves a lock in place intentionally or accidentally and may not be present when the equipment needs to be re-energized. Removing the lock may expose that worker and possibly others to danger.
- There must be a written procedure about how to remove lockout devices and tags safely. The procedure must cover locating the absent worker and obtaining permission to remove their lock.
- It must also cover how, if the worker cannot be found, to validate if it is safe to cut the lock from the lockout device and re-energize the system. The person removing the lock should be identified in the lockout documentation.
