OSHA Lockout Tagout: Full Employee Protection
OSHAs Lockout Tagout Standard does not prescribe the specifics of the energy control measures to be employed. Although, the standard lays down general procedures to be achieved, giving the employers flexibility in choosing the control procedures to be implemented, it focuses on achieving full employee protection.
Full Employee Protection:
As per OSHA Standard 1910.147(c)(3) - A lockout device should always be used when the machine’s energy isolating devices are capable of being locked out. But, there might be situations when, an isolating device is not capable of being locked out, a Tagout device is used alone in place of a Lockout device {1910.147(c)(3)(i)}.
In such a situation, it must provide a level of safety equivalent to that obtained by using a Lockout device, and the Tagout device must be attached at the same location, where the Lockout device would have been attached.
The employer must demonstrate full compliance with all Tagout related provisions of this standard. Additional protective measures, such as the removal of an isolating circuit element, blocking of a controlling switch, opening of an extra disconnecting device, or the removal of a valve handle to reduce the probability of inadvertent energization are needed to demonstrate that full employee protection has been achieved. Along with this, if an energy isolation device is not capable of being locked out, it must be redesigned or modified to accept the lock whenever major replacement, repair, renovation or modification of the machine is performed. The main motive is to achieve Full Employee Protection always. Check OSHA Guidelines - https://www.safetylock.net/learn-lockout-tagout/osha-29-cfr-1910-147-standard/
