What is a Lockout and Why is it Important?
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- What is a Lockout and Why is it Important?
2022-08-19
What is a lockout?
Lockout is a measure put in place by the Quebec government within the framework of regulation respecting the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS). This new safety procedure in manufacturing plants reduces the number of accidents caused by energy sources and protects employees during operations or maintenance.
The CCOHS lockout standard defines this practice as an additional safety feature to the energy isolation device. This type of lock is used to increase the level of safety and block the energy supply during repair, maintenance, or inspection work. This process allows the power supply to an equipment or process to be controlled or stopped for safety intervention.
Different types of lockout
1. Single-key lockout
2. Serial lockout
3. Hasp
4. Lockout box
Why are lockouts important ?
Reduces accidents
Controls the source of energy
How to make a lockout sheet ?
The implementation of lockout on energy sources is not the only element to guarantee the safety of the workers. The implementation of control processes that include a lockout sheet are extremely important.
Working as a cause-and-effect relationship, a partial or incorrect completion of the lockout sheet can lead to a failure of the safety system and increase the risk of accidents.
To avoid this, here are a few tips on how to properly fill out your lockout sheet and ensure that your lockout is functioning properly.
1. Identify the machine
Lockout ensures that all energy sources powering a machine are stopped. This is a critical safety procedure for the workers. It is important to identify the machine with its location, its locking code, its name, and its serial number. This information makes it possible to know which machine is responsible for the interventions.
2. Identify the person(s) responsible
This measure allows you to quickly identify and know the person or people in charge of lockout. The purpose is to know who to contact in case of an accident, a lockout, a breakdown, or lockout malfunction.
3. Identify the location of the lockout device(s)
The lockout sheet also includes the identification and location of control and energy disconnecting devices. Knowing this reduces the risk of accidents and increases the rate of response in the event of a malfunction in the safety process.
By knowing which machine, the responsible person(s) and the location of the control center, every lockout will be effective.
4. Determine what type of material is needed for lockout
The lockout sheet not only has a preventive role, it also allows tracking of logistical information related to lockout. By referring to this list, managers know the number of locks and hasps used and to be used, as well as the characteristics of all the other accessories and equipment needed for lockout.
A management of inventory and logistics is necessary to monitor the materials, their quantity, and their use.
5. Describing the steps of lockout
This lockout sheet is also a lockout guide. In addition to gathering all the information needed for safety and monitoring of the equipment, the lockout sheet lists the steps and procedures to follow to ensure perfect lockout.
Workers can refer to this sheet when they must lock out a source in a specific way or when they are not familiar with it.