What is an affected employee's responsibility during a lockout/tagout? Safety Explained
What is an affected employee's responsibility during a lockout/tagout? In any workplace where hazardous energy is present, lockout/tagout (LOTO) procedures are critical for ensuring safety during maintenance and servicing activities. Affected employees, those who operate or work near the machinery that is locked out, have a crucial role in maintaining a safe environment. Their primary responsibility is to recognize when equipment is under lockout/tagout and avoid using or interacting with the machinery. Affected personnel must also adhere to all safety guidelines, respect the locks and tags in place, and promptly report any issues they observe. By following these protocols, affected employees help ensure that the energy control procedures are effective, preventing injuries caused by unexpected equipment startup or the release of hazardous energy.
What is an Affected Employee's Role During a Lockout/Tagout Procedure?
An affected employee typically operates or works near a machine or equipment that is subject to lockout or tagout during servicing. Their main duty is to understand and follow safety protocols when a lockout/tagout procedure is in place. They should be aware of which machines are undergoing servicing, and they must not attempt to start, use, or tamper with that equipment while locks or tags are present. Their role is passive compared to an authorized worker, but it remains critical for preventing accidents.
The key distinction here is that while an affected worker is someone who does not perform the lockout or tagout, they must adhere to safety measures and recognize the importance of energy control procedures in their work environment.
How Does an Affected Employee Know When a Lockout/Tagout Procedure Is in Place?
Communication is vital during any lockout or tagout event. Affected individuals are notified about the energy control procedures through multiple means, including visual indicators like tags and locks, as well as verbal or written communication from authorized personnel. The presence of locks and tags on machines signals that the equipment is locked out to prevent unexpected energization.
In addition, proper training required by occupational safety standards ensures that each worker is aware of the significance of the devices used. They should understand that the machine or equipment being locked out is under maintenance or servicing and that any attempt to bypass these controls could lead to exposure to hazardous energy sources.
What Should an Affected Employee Do if They Notice a Problem With the Lockout/Tagout Procedure?
If an affected worker notices any problems or inconsistencies with the lockout or tagout procedure, such as missing tags, improperly secured locks, or unauthorized use of equipment, they must report the issue immediately to a supervisor or the authorized employee in charge. This is a key responsibility for maintaining a safe work environment. Any malfunction or misuse of locks or tags could lead to the accidental release of stored energy, posing severe risks to those working in the area.
The employee's duties include being vigilant and proactive in identifying potential issues during maintenance activities. Ensuring that all energy control procedures are properly followed is essential to preventing injuries.
Can an Affected Employee Remove a Lockout or Tagout Device?
No. Only an authorized employee who initiated the lockout or tagout can remove the device. Under no circumstances should an affected worker attempt to remove a lockout or tagout device, even if they believe the servicing is complete. Removing these devices without authorization could cause significant safety hazards, as equipment may still be in an unsafe condition or energized with hazardous energy.
Each worker must understand their role in these situations to avoid potential accidents. A lockout or tagout device should remain in place until the authorized worker verifies that all maintenance activities have been completed and the equipment is safe to use.
What Should an Affected Employee Do if They Need to Access Equipment Under Lockout/Tagout for Non-Operational Reasons?
If an affected worker needs to access equipment for non-operational reasons during a lockout or tagout procedure, they must first communicate with the authorized employee responsible for the lockout or tagout. Under no circumstances should they bypass the locks or tags to gain access. The person performing the servicing or maintenance is responsible for ensuring that any access is safe and appropriate.
The training required by safety regulations ensures that all personnel, including those affected, understand the proper steps to follow in such situations. Communication with authorized workers is crucial to avoid unnecessary risks associated with stored energy or incomplete maintenance.
The Role of Authorized and Affected Employees
While an affected worker does not perform the energy isolation tasks, their awareness of the process is just as important for overall workplace safety. In contrast, an authorized worker has the responsibility to execute the energy control procedures, lockout the machine or equipment, and verify that the system is free from hazardous energy sources before performing any servicing. If the affected individual undergoes additional training, they can become an authorized worker and take on a more direct role in energy control procedures.
Training is a vital part of occupational safety for both authorized and affected personnel. Understanding how to lock out or tag out equipment properly and the duties involved ensures that the risks of hazardous energy are minimized for everyone working in the vicinity of the machinery.
In summary, affected workers have crucial roles during lockout or tagout procedures, even though their responsibilities are more passive compared to those of authorized workers. Their duties involve adhering to energy control procedures, being aware of equipment that is locked out, and reporting any issues with locks or tags. They must never attempt to remove locks or tags or interfere with the lockout or tagout process in any way. By understanding their roles and cooperating with authorized workers, affected personnel contribute significantly to maintaining a safe working environment during servicing or maintenance activities.
Ensuring that both authorized and affected individuals are properly trained and informed about their duties under energy control procedures is essential in preventing workplace accidents. By following the correct safety protocols, including the use of locks and tags, workers can protect themselves and their colleagues from the dangers of hazardous energy sources.
