#trainingandcommunication

𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐭 𝐃 specifies,

Tags must be made of materials capable enough of withstanding the environment to which they are exposed for the maximum period of time.

This also means that, exposure to weather conditions or wet and damp locations should not cause the tag to deteriorate.

𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐭 𝐄 further elaborates -

These Lockout Tags although play a very important part in providing safety to the worker applying the safety device, but they might induce false sense of security to the plant worker, if used alone.

Incidences occur where, due to bad environmental condition or physical dismantling, LOTO Tag got removed during servicing, lead to mishaps.

Therefore, Lockout tags must always be used along with LOTO Locks if the machine or equipment in use is capable of being Locked out.

𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐭 𝐅 says,

It is necessary that these Tags must be securely attached to the energy isolating devices so that they cannot be inadvertently detached.

They are non-reusable, self-locking, and non-releasable with a minimum unlocking strength of no less than 50 pounds.

Workers on the site must be specified and trained about these limitations of Tags.

Check OSHA Guidelines - https://www.safetylock.net/learn-lockout-tagout/osha-29-cfr-1910-147-standard/

Although Tags have a significant importance in the LOTO procedure, but when used alone, they have certain limitations, and employees should be trained in the limitations of tags when applied alone. Part A specifies, Tags are warning devices that are affixed to energy isolating devices; which means they do not act as physical restraint on those devices, unlike a lock. When a Lock is applied to an energy isolation device, it acts as a physical barrier that blocks the operation of the machine until the authorized employee removes it. Whereas, Tags applied along with the Lock acts only as a cautionary instruction. They might get dismantled, eroded, ignored, bypassed or defeated, if used alone. Part B says, for the placement of Lockout Tags, an authorized employee is always assigned by the supervisor as per the procedure. This person is a trained employee who knows what devices to be used, how and where to be used effectively to block the flow of hazardous energies. Since, these industrial tags are made of high performance, durable materials that can withstand harsh environments - both indoors and outdoors; they cannot be bypassed or defeated unless intentional. Part C says, Tags must be legible and understandable by all authorized, affected, and other employees who are involved. OSHA requires that the major message printed on the tag “warn against hazardous condition of the equipment is re-energized.” Five examples of acceptable warnings are provided, including Do Not Start. Do Not Open. Do Not Close. Do Not Energize. Do Not Operate. In all cases, employees must know and understand the meaning of the Tag. For more details about Tag limitations, visit -  https://www.safetylock.net/learn-lockout-tagout/osha-documentation/