Energy in any form can be hazardous. Properly isolating and controlling energy sources is critical to ensuring that workers stay safe. Lockout/tagout refers to specific practices and procedures that safeguard employees from the unexpected startup of machinery and equipment.

OSHA has developed a rule for controlling hazardous energy specifically for the maritime industry. It is commonly referred to as the Lockout/Tagout Plus standard. The rule includes information from the general industry standard for controlling hazardous energy, but also contains requirements specific to shipyard workers and servicing large, complex systems with multiple power sources.

Machinery, equipment, and systems found aboard a ship differ substantially from those found in landside facilities of general industry. They often lack individual disconnect or cutoff mechanisms that provide complete isolation from other machinery. Because of this difference, a Lockout/Tagout Plus system must consist of at least one energy-isolating device with a tag affixed to it, and at least one additional safety measure that provides the equivalent safety available from the use of a lock.

The Lockout/Tagout Plus standard requires that only a qualified and authorized individual is allowed to use an energy-isolating device like a switch, circuit-breaker or valve to turn off and de-energize machinery or equipment before performing service or maintenance. This “authorized” individual may also apply a lockout device, such as a hasp or chain, to prevent the machinery from being turned on again.

The standard also requires that the authorized employee tag the energy-isolating device, or devices, to warn others not to re-energize the equipment and take steps to make certain the energy has been isolated effectively.

Employer and Employee Requirements

The Lockout/Tagout Plus standard specifies that employers must:

• Establish an energy-control program to ensure that only trained and authorized employees isolate machines from their energy sources and render them inoperative before performing service or maintenance

As part of an energy-control program, employers must:

• Train employees on the energy-control program and how to be safe where hazardous energy has been de-energized
• Train authorized employees on the safe application, use, and removal of energy controls
• Inspect energy-control procedures periodically (at least annually), to ensure that they are being followed and remain effective
• Adopt additional measures to provide the same level of employee protection that lockout devices would provide on machinery that cannot be locked out

Locks and Tags

Locks are designed to be placed on switches, cabinets, valves, levers, outlets, handles, plugs, and other locations in order to control sources of energy. They must be constructed of sturdy material that can withstand the environment in which they are used. They locks must be marked, and not used for any other purposes.

Tags must communicate danger and have a warning, such as Do Not Start, Do Not Open, Do Not Close, or Do Not Energize. They must be constructed to withstand the environment in which they are used

3 Safety Tips for Locks and Tags

• Never remove a lock or tag that is not yours
• Never attempt to restart, or restore energy to, a machine, circuit, or any equipment that is locked or tagged
• Never attempt to bypass equipment that is locked or tagged