Lockout/Tagout
Lock and tag on a circuit breaker
Lockout/Tagout Quick Links
The Lockout/Tagout Program defines procedures for the control of hazardous energy sources in order to prevent injuries during the service or maintenance of machinery or equipment.
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Lockout/Tagout Program
General Requirements
General requirements and expectations for the control of hazardous energy.
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General Lockout/Tagout Procedure
Basic steps of performing lockout/tagout on equipment and systems.
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Energy Control Procedures
Written procedures are required for some equipment and systems.
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- If hydraulic energy hazards are locked by a single in-line valve, are they considered "eliminated"? Yes and no. No, not if fluid is being prevented from flowing into space in this manner. Two in-line valves are required for "elimination" of the hazard. Yes, if the hydraulic energy is the source of power to drive or activate a device within a space.
- In a confined space, if mechanical hazards are properly guarded or properly lockout and tagged out, are they considered "eliminated"? Yes, as long as the guarding method chosen effectively protects the entrant.
- In a confined space, if natural gas lines are "isolated" are they considered to be "eliminated"? Only if the pipe is blanked or blinded, misaligned or section removed, or double blocked and bled.
- What is considered to be a "hazardous energy source"?
- Electrical greater than 50 volts
- Mechanical that can result in injury
- Hydraulic greater than 12 psi
- Pneumatic greater than 12 psig
- Gravity that can result in injury (impact, pinch point)
- Chemical that can result in injury (burn, acute inhalation hazards)
- Thermal that can result in injury (2nd degree burn or worse)
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Contact Information
Robin McCall-Miller, Occupational Safety Program Manager
Phone: 540-231-2341
Email: rmmiller@vt.edu