The procedures for lockout may vary slightly depending on the piece of equipment and it's location, but the basic principals will remain. The procedures are to be used for any work involving electrical, pneumatic, gravitational, hydraulic or stored energy ie: springs, pressurized fuel gases, batteries, etc.
- Review work to be performed to identify equipment requiring lockout with all affected individuals and/or departments to determine best method of control. This requires knowledge of the system.
- If the machine or equipment is operating, shut it down using normal stopping procedures. This may require the participation of the operator.
- Isolate the equipment from its main power source.
- Lockout and tag the device with assigned lock and tags.
- Relieve any additional stored or residual energy from equipment to ensure zero state of energy exists.
- Verify that all steps above have been followed.
- Prior to work being performed, ensure isolation or de-energizing has been achieved by testing with proven testing equipment. Use test alive, test dead, test alive method.