Module 8
Electrical Safety and
Lockout Tagout (LOTO)
The
OSH
Standard
has
devoted
an
entire
section
(Rule
1210)
which
specify
standards
on
ELECTRICAL
SAFETY.
1
Control
of
Hazardous
Energy
OSHA Standard 29 CFR 1910.147
Terminology
Circuit
-‐-‐
complete
path
of
the
current.
Includes
electricity
source,
a
conductor,
and
the
output
device
or
load
(such
as
a
lamp,
tool,
or
heater)
Current
-‐-‐
electrical
movement
(measured
in
amps)
Voltage
–
is
a
force
that
makes
the
electricity
moves
through
a
wire
(measure
in
volts)
Resistance
-‐-‐
restriction
to
electrical
flow
Conductors
–
materials
with
little
resistance
to
electricity
that
allow
electricity
to
flow
Insulators
-‐-‐
materials
with
high
resistance
to
electricity
that
prevent
electricity
from
getting
to
unwanted
areas
Grounding
–
a
conductive
connection
to
the
earth
which
acts
as
a
protective
measure
4
2
OHM’S LAW
V (voltage)
I (current) = -----------------------
R (resistance)
LOW VOLTAGE is 24 to 600 volts, and
“safety” low voltage refers to voltages
below 24 volts.
Electricity
–
How
it
Works
Electricity
is
the
flow
of
energy
from
one
place
to
another
Requires
a
source
of
power:
usually
a
generating
station
A
flow
of
electrons
(current)
travels
through
a
conductor
Travels
in
a
closed
circuit
3
Electricity
-‐
The
Dangers
About
5
workers
are
electrocuted
every
week
Causes
12%
of
young
worker
workplace
deaths
Takes
very
little
electricity
to
cause
harm
Significant
risk
of
causing
fires
How
Electricity
Affects
the
Body?
4
Electrical
Injuries
There
are
four
main
types
of
electrical
injuries:
Direct:
Ø Electrocution
or
death
due
to
electrical
shock
Ø Electrical
shock
Ø Burns
Indirect
-‐
Falls
10
5
Electrical
Shock
An
electrical
shock
is
received
when
electrical
current
passes
through
the
body.
You
will
get
an
electrical
shock
if
a
part
of
your
body
completes
an
electrical
circuit
by…
Touching
a
live
wire
and
an
electrical
ground,
or
Touching
a
live
wire
and
another
wire
at
a
different
voltage.
11
Shock
Severity
Severity
of
the
shock
depends
on:
Path
of
current
through
the
body
Amount
of
current
flowing
through
the
body
(amps)
Duration
of
the
shocking
current
through
the
body,
LOW
VOLTAGE
DOES
NOT
MEAN
LOW
HAZARD
12
6
Burns
Occurs
when
you
touch
electrical
wiring
or
equipment
that
is
improperly
used
or
maintained
Typically
occurs
on
hands
Very
serious
injury
that
needs
immediate
attention
13
7
Falls
Electric
shock
can
also
cause
indirect
injuries
Workers
in
elevated
locations
who
experience
a
shock
may
fall,
resulting
in
serious
injury
or
death
15
Hazard
–
Exposed
Electrical
Parts
16
8
Hazard
–
Defec@ve
Cords
&
Wires
Plastic
or
rubber
covering
is
missing
Damaged
extension
cords
&
tools
17
Hazard
–
Damaged
Cords
Cords
can
be
damaged
by:
Aging
Door
or
window
edges
Staples
or
fastenings
Abrasion
from
adjacent
materials
Activity
in
the
area
Improper
use
can
cause
shocks,
burns
or
fire
18
9
Hazard
–
Overloaded
Circuits
Hazards
may
result
from:
Too
many
devices
plugged
into
a
circuit,
causing
heated
wires
and
possibly
a
fire
Damaged
tools
overheating
Lack
of
overcurrent
protection
Wire
insulation
melting,
which
may
cause
arcing
and
a
fire
in
the
area
where
the
overload
exists,
even
inside
a
wall
19
Extension Cord Hazards
Extension cords are approved for temporary use only. If extended use is required,
hard wiring such as a new outlet should be installed. Extension cords are easily frayed,
a condition which may expose bare wires. If not properly placed, extension cords may
also become a trip hazard.
10
Temporary
Lights
Protect
from
contact
and
damage,
and
don’t
suspend
by
cords
unless
designed
to
do
so.
OSHA Office of Training & Education
21
22
11
Hazard
–
Improper
Grounding
Tools
plugged
into
improperly
grounded
circuits
may
become
energized
Broken
wire
or
plug
on
extension
cord
Some
of
the
most
frequently
violated
OSHA
standards
23
Grounding
Grounding
creates
a
low-‐
resistance
path
from
a
tool
to
the
earth
to
disperse
unwanted
current.
When
a
short
or
lightning
occurs,
energy
flows
to
the
ground,
protecting
you
from
electrical
shock,
injury
and
death.
24
12
Control
–
Ground
Tools
&
Equipment
Ground
power
supply
systems,
electrical
circuits,
and
electrical
equipment
Frequently
inspect
electrical
systems
to
insure
path
to
ground
is
continuous
Inspect
electrical
equipment
before
use
Don’t
remove
ground
prongs
from
tools
or
extension
cords
Ground
exposed
metal
parts
of
equipment
25
Control
–
Use
GFCI
(ground-‐fault
circuit
interrupter)
Protects
you
from
shock
Detects
difference
in
current
between
the
black
and
white
wires
If
ground
fault
detected,
GFCI
shuts
off
electricity
in
1/40th
of
a
second
Use
GFCI’s
on
all
240-‐volt,
single-‐
phase,
15-‐
and
20-‐ampere
receptacles,
or
have
an
assured
equipment
grounding
conductor
program.
26
13
Control
–
Isolate
Electrical
Parts
Use
guards
or
barriers
Replace
covers
Guard live parts of electric equipment
operating at 50 volts or more against
accidental contact
27
Control
–
Isolate
Electrical
Parts
-‐
Cabinets,
Boxes
&
FiTngs
Conductors
going
into
them
must
be
protected,
and
unused
openings
must
be
closed
28
14
Control
–
Close
Openings
Junction
boxes,
pull
boxes
and
fittings
must
have
approved
covers
Unused
openings
in
cabinets,
boxes
and
fittings
must
be
closed
(no
missing
knockouts)
Photo shows violations
of these two requirements
29
Control
-‐
Overhead
Power
Lines
Stay
at
least
10
feet
away
Post
warning
signs
Assume
that
lines
are
energized
Use
wood
or
fiberglass
ladders,
not
metal
Power
line
workers
need
special
training
&
PPE
30
15
Control
–
Cords
&
Wires
Insulate
live
wires
Check
before
use
Use
only
cords
that
are
3-‐wire
type
Use
only
cords
marked
for
hard
or
extra-‐hard
usage
Use
only
cords,
connection
devices,
and
fittings
equipped
with
strain
relief
Remove
cords
by
pulling
on
the
plugs,
not
the
cords
Cords
not
marked
for
hard
or
extra-‐
hard
use,
or
which
have
been
modified,
must
be
taken
out
of
service
immediately
31
Control
–
Use
the
Correct
Wire
Wire
used
depends
on
operation,
building
materials,
electrical
load,
and
environmental
factors
Use
fixed
cords
rather
than
flexible
cords
Use
the
correct
extension
cord
Must be 3-wire type and designed for hard or extra-hard use
32
16
Preven@ng
Electrical
Hazards
-‐
Tools
Inspect
tools
before
use
Use
the
right
tool
correctly
Protect
your
tools
Use
double
insulated
tools
Double Insulated marking
33
Avoid
Wet
Condi@ons
If
you
touch
a
live
wire
or
other
electrical
component
while
standing
in
even
a
small
puddle
of
water
you’ll
get
a
shock.
Damaged
insulation,
equipment,
or
tools
can
expose
you
to
live
electrical
parts.
Improperly
grounded
metal
switch
plates
&
ceiling
lights
are
especially
hazardous
in
wet
conditions.
Wet
clothing,
high
humidity,
and
perspiration
increase
your
chances
of
being
electrocuted.
34
17
Preven@ng
Electrical
Hazards
-‐
PPE
Proper
foot
protection
(not
tennis
shoes)
Rubber
insulating
gloves,
hoods,
sleeves,
matting,
and
blankets
Hard
hat
(insulated
-‐
nonconductive)
OSHA Office of Training & Education 35
Summary
–
Hazards
&
Protec@ons
Hazards
Protective
Measures
Inadequate
wiring
Proper
grounding
Exposed
electrical
parts
Use
GFCI’s
Wires
with
bad
insulation
Ungrounded
electrical
systems
Use
fuses
and
circuit
and
tools
breakers
Overloaded
circuits
Guard
live
parts
Damaged
power
tools
and
Lockout/Tagout
equipment
Using
the
wrong
PPE
and
tools
Proper
use
of
flexible
Overhead
powerlines
cords
All
hazards
are
made
worse
in
Close
electric
panels
wet
conditions
Training
36
18
What
A
Typical
Lockout
Tagout
Looks
Like
With
an
Equipment
Lock.
38
19
ð Failure to establish a written energy
control program.
ð Failure to develop machine-specific
lockout procedures.
ð Failure to properly train employees.
ð Failure to conduct periodic audits.
ð Failure to provide or utilize the proper
lockout devices.
LOCKOUT is
blocking the flow
of energy from the
power source to
the equipment –
and keeping it
blocked out.
20
TAGOUT
Is a written warning
tag placed on the
energy isolating
device which is in the
off or closed position.
L o c k o u t / Ta g o u t
protects you from the
unexpected start-up of
machines or release of
stored energy during
service or maintenance.
21
WHY LOTO IS IMPORTANT?
• The Lock Out / Tag
Out procedure
prevents the
unexpected start up
or release of stored
energy that could
cause injury to
employees by placing
a lock and/or warning
tag on an energy
isolation device.
Your Safety – and that your co – workers –
depends on proper recognition and use of
locks and tags. So remember:
• Never use your lockout / tagout equipment
for locking personnel or unauthorized items.
• Never lend or borrow a lock or tag.
• Never remove someone else’s lock or tag.
22
LOCKS OR TAGS?
OSHA considers using a LOCK Safer than
just using a Tag.
The OSHA Standard
allows a tag in the
place of a lock only if
the TAGOUT provides
the equivalent
protection of a
lockout.
WHAT DOES LOCKOUT/TAGOUT
STANDARDS- REQUIRES ?
• THAT ALL ENERGY
SOURCES BE
TURNED OFF AND
“LOCK OUT” WHILE
MACHINES ARE
BEING SERVICE OR
MAINTAINED.
23
ENERGY SOURCES
ü Electrical – can be a direct source
ü Hydraulic – uses fluid under pressure
ü Pneumatic – uses air under pressure
ü Kinetic – the energy created in a moving
object
ü Potential – stored energy such as the
energy in capacitors, compressed air,
hydraulics and springs
ü Pressurized liquids or gases – including
steam and chemicals present in pipes
and supply lines
ü Any other energy – including thermal or
mechanical energy, gravity, pressurized
systems and elevated parts
WHEN TO LOCKOUT/TAGOUT
Whenever you are performing
service or maintenance on any
machine to prevent unexpected
start-up or release of energy.
Includes:
§ Constructing / Inspecting
§ Installing / Modifying
§ Setting up / Maintaining
§ Adjusting / Servicing
24
6 STEPS TO LOCK OUT / TAG OUT
1. Preparation for Shutdown
2. Shutdown Equipment
3. Isolation all Energy Sources
4. Application of LOTO
5. Release or Control of Energy
6. Verify Equipment Isolation
25
1. PREPARATION FOR SHUTDOWN
• Know the equipment and
its energy source before
working on it.
• C h e c k w i t h y o u r
supervisor for a written
procedure that details
the shutdown of the
equipment you’re
working on.
Understand Equipment Hazards.
Notify Affected Employee &
Other Workers for Shutdown.
2. SHUTDOWN EQUIPMENT
Ø Turn off the equipment
as directed by the
company procedure.
Ø This may be done by the
use of ON and OFF
switch or a more
complicated method.
Turn all Switches to Off.
Shut all Control Valves.
Disable all sources of
Energy
26
3. ISOLATE ALL ENERGY SOURCES
• Find and isolate every
form of energy supplying
machine uses.
• Pull fuses,
• throwing disconnects ;
• (Capping) blinding any
secondary sources of
energy.
Shut off Valves. Open
Breakers & Disconnect.
4. APPLICATION OF LOTO
n Application of Lock and
Tags to all energy-isolating
equipment, valves and
switches.
n In situations where multiple
pieces of equipment are
being locked, an authorized
employee places all keys in a
lock box to which each
employee attaches his or her
personal lock.
27
5. RELEASE OR CONTROL OF ENERGY
1. Relieve, disconnect or restrain any
residual hazardous energy that
could be present.
2. Check all moving parts have
stopped turning. Stop rotating parts.
3. Relieve trapped pressure.
4. Blank pipe flanges.
5. Install ground wires to discharge
electrical capacitors.
6. B l o c k o r s u p p o r t e l e v a t e d
equipment.
7. Drain fluids & Vent Gases.
8. Allow System to Cool
6. VERIFY EQUIPMENT ISOLATION
Don’t take anything for
granted. Double check
your steps. Verify that
you:
1. S h u t d o w n the
equipment,
2. E n e r g y source
isolated,
3. Lock and tag applied
4. Any stored energy
controlled.
28
3 STEPS TO REMOVAL AND
RE-ENERGIZING
1. Restore Work Area
§ Remove all tools
§ D o u b l e - c h e c k a l l
equipment components
§ R e p l a c e a l l s a f e t y
features, such as
machine guards
§ Close access panels that
were opened to perform
service on equipment
29
3 STEPS TO REMOVAL AND
RE-ENERGIZING
2. Notify Personnel
• Notify all employees
that LOTO devices are
being removed.
• Remove employees
from the area or make
sure they are a safe
distance from the
equipment,
3 STEPS TO REMOVAL AND
RE-ENERGIZING
3. Remove LOTO Devices
• The person who placed
each device must be the
one to remove it.
• If someone who placed a
LOTO device is not
present, notify your
supervisor who will
follow specific
procedures. Never
remove it yourself.
30
After all devices are removed, tell
affected employees that LOTO is
ended and that the equipment is
Restarting the Equipment… being re-energized.
31
