OSHA requires employers to develop written procedures for lockout tagout operations. Any lockout tagout operation that involves more than one lockout point will require a written energy control procedure.
It is important to know that this is not the only point of consideration when determining if a lockout tagout procedure is required. OSHA has eight requirements that ALL must be met for a lockout tagout procedure exemption to apply.
- There is no potential or stored energy, and the energy may not reaccumulate after shutdown.
- A single energy source can be identified and isolated.
- The lockout will completely de-energize the equipment.
- Equipment is both isolated and locked out from the energy source during maintenance.
- Lockout can be achieved with a single device.
- The lockout device is under the control of the authorized employee performing the work.
- No hazards are created for other employees.
- Previous use of this exemption have not caused problems or unexpected startup.