The Lockout/Tagout standard includes requirements for releasing machines or equipment that have been locked out or tagged out prior to restoring energy to the equipment and using it. Before lockout or tagout devices are removed, and energy restored, what procedures must the authorized employee follow?

The Lockout/Tagout standard includes requirements for releasing machines or equipment that have been locked out or tagged out prior to restoring energy to the equipment and using it. Before lockout or tagout devices are removed, and energy restored, what procedures must the authorized employee follow?

• Machine/equipment inspection: The work area must be inspected to ensure that nonessential items (e.g., tools, spare parts) have been removed and that all of the machine or equipment components are operationally intact [29 CFR 1910.147(e)(1)].

• Positioning of employees: The work area must be checked to ensure that all employees have been safely positioned or have cleared the area. In addition, all affected employees must be notified that the lockout or tagout devices have been removed before the equipment is started [29 CFR 1910.147(e)(2)(i)-29 CFR 1910.147(e)(2)(ii)].

• Lockout or tagout device removal: Each lockout or tagout device must be removed from the energy-isolating device by the employee who applied the device [29 CFR 1910.147(e)(3)].

What is the unique circumstance that allows an employee other than the one who applied the lockout/tagout device to remove the device?

When the authorized employee who applied the lockout or tagout device is not available to remove it, that device may be removed under the direction of the employer, provided that specific procedures and training for such removal have been developed, documented, and incorporated into the employer's energy control program [29 CFR 1910.147(e)(3)].

Exception

What steps must the employer take if an employee, other than the one who applied the lockout/tagout device, removes the device?

• The employer must verify that the authorized employee who applied the device is not at the facility [29 CFR 1910.147(e)(3)(i)].

• The employer must make all reasonable efforts to contact the authorized employee to inform him/her that his/her lockout or tagout device has been removed [29 CFR 1910.147(e)(3)(ii)].

• The employer must ensure that the authorized employee knows that the lockout device has been removed before he/she resumes work at the facility. [29 CFR 1910.147(e)(3)(iii)].