Lock Out, Isolation and Tagging
Isolation, tagging and lock out procedures are designed to protect people and property in a workplace from hazards related to electrical power, damaged equipment or machinery or when repairs, maintenance or inspections are carried out.
Before any repair or alteration work is started the electrical circuits or equipment to be worked on must be disconnected from the electricity supply, unless other adequate precautions are taken to prevent electric shock.
Lock out
Lock out is the best way of preventing machinery or electrical current becoming operational during maintenance. A lock is attached to the machine switch so that it cannot be turned on.
The employee working with the machine should hold the only key to the lock. A lock must only be removed from equipment or machinery by the person who attached it. Procedures must be put in place for the removal of the lock in case this person is not available, for example if there has been a change of shift workers.
Isolation and tagging
Before you start work:
Danger tags
Personal "DANGER" tags are colour-coded red, black and white, and are used while equipment and machinery is being repaired or serviced.
A "DANGER" tag on an item of equipment is a warning to all persons that the equipment is being worked on and must not be operated as lives may be placed in danger.
 | | A circuit must not be energised while a "DANGER" tag is attached. |
If turning on a switch or valve or operating any machinery or equipment you are working on will place you or someone else in danger you must fix your own "DANGER" tags. They must be tied on every main isolation switch or valve and you must make sure the switch is in the correct safe position before you start the job. When two or more employees are working on the same job they must each fix their own danger tag.
"DANGER" tags are for everyone's safety. You must:
sign and date the tag;
only fix and remove your own "DANGER" tags;
place tags at common isolation points;
tie the tag securely; and
remove your tag at the end of the shift or when the work is done.
Out of service tags
Yellow and black "OUT OF SERVICE" tags are used to warn people machinery, appliances or equipment is damaged, unsafe or out of service for repairs. They are used to prevent accidents and damage to the equipment or machinery.
| | While an "OUT OF SERVICE" tag is fixed to machinery, appliances or equipment it must not be operated. |
If you are required to fix "OUT OF SERVICE" tags, you must:
be authorised to fix and remove them;
write your name and the fault on all tags;
place them in a prominent position;
place tags at common isolation points; and
leave tags on until the machinery or equipment is repaired and is safe to use.
| | Any faulty equipment should be tagged "OUT OF SERVICE" so that it cannot be used until it is replaced or repaired. |
The safe work procedures for the removal of "DANGER" and "OUT OF SERVICE" tags at your workplace must be followed.
Talk to your employer or supervisor if you are unsure about tagging machinery and equipment correctly.
An example of the dangers of working with electricity is outlined in the case study Electrician Electrocuted Installing Switch.
