Safety First: The Critical Steps of Lockout/Tagout for Electrical Maintenance Work

Maintaining strict adherence to lockout/tagout procedures is crucial for ensuring electrical safety in the workplace. In this blog post, we will outline the essential steps that must be followed when implementing lockout/tagout procedures for maintenance work. These procedures promote worker safety and minimize the risk of electrical accidents.

The Steps for Lockout/Tagout Procedures:

Step 1: Preparation
Before the work is carried out, the person in charge of the operation or his authorized personnel will determine the locked equipment, prepare the locking device, and register the locking. (including risk analysis)

Step 2:Inform

Inform the person in charge of each workshop on duty, and the affected person.

Step 3:Shutdown
Power and gas shutdown of the locked equipment is generally carried out through the control room of each workshop.

Step 4: Isolation
Energy isolation operation for dangerous energy sources, such as pulling down the gate switch or incoming air switch, closing the gate, potential energy isolation device, etc.

Step 5:Locking and tagging

Use safety padlocks to lock energy isolating devices and use safety tags.

Step 6:Zero energy state

Completely release the remaining energy.

Step 7:Verification
All personnel are in a safe position, and try again to see if the locked equipment can be started again.

Step 8: Perform the operation
Repair and inspect the equipment that has been effectively locked.

Step 9: Inspection and recovery
At the end of the work, clean up the site, reset with the leftover tools and materials, safety facilities, and inform the control room of each workshop that the maintenance is over and the equipment is in a startable state.

The Lock Removal/Tag Removal Procedure:

After the locking/tagging work is finished, the locks and tags must be removed, and the following steps must be strictly implemented when unlocking/tagging:

Step 1: Check the environment around the equipment to ensure that no one is in the danger zone of the equipment, tools, etc., and that the person in charge of the operation or the area is in charge of determining the number of people affected.

Step 2: Check that all tools have been removed, that safety guards have been restored, that interlocking devices and other components are in standby mode.

Step 3: Notify the appropriate technician and begin removing locks and tags.


Step 4: Make sure that all staffs have taken out their safety cards, and fill out the "locking and tagging worksheet" together with the relevant personnel, which should be signed by the person in charge, electrician, post worker, and the person in charge of the operation room.
Two copies of this form, one to the person in charge of each workshop, and one for the maintenance department to file.

Step 5: Re-confirm the environment around the equipment to ensure that no one is in the dangerous area of the equipment, tools, etc.

Step 6: Remove the lock/tag, restore the energy source and start the equipment.

Shift Handover Lockout/Tagout Procedure:

Shift changeover involving lockout/tagout must be on site (all staff)

Step 1: The staff on the previous shift notify the affected personnel to unlock/tag

Step 2: Two shifts of staff and affected personnel arrive on site for the shift changeover

Step 3: The staff on the next shift will unlock/remove the locks/plates according to the unlocking/retrieval procedure and select "Shift Change" when filling out the "Locking/Tagging Worksheet".

The staff on the next shift will follow the fourth step of locking/tagging/verification procedure to lock/tag.
The above work procedures must be strictly observed, and the company will check the above procedures at any time, and any violation will result in a warning or penalty!

Strict adherence to lockout/tagout procedures is paramount for maintaining electrical safety during maintenance work. By following the outlined steps, organizations can ensure the well-being of workers and mitigate the risk of electrical accidents. Remember, violating these procedures may result in warnings or penalties. Let's prioritize safety and protect lives in the workplace.