Lockout procedures are part of the Internal Responsibility System
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Does your organization have a program in place to ensure that lockout is performed every time a machine must be cleaned or serviced? Not locking out is an extreme safety risk. Injuries from unintended releases of energy tend to be catastrophic or fatal. And yet, sometimes workers are tempted to bypass lockout. When the risk is so high, it begs the question: why?
In this article, we discuss: |
Despite the known risk of injury and/or fatality, sometimes workers are tempted to bypass lockout.
What is Lockout?
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Lockout is defined under the CSA standard Z460-20 as the “placement of a lockout device on an energy-isolating device in accordance with an established procedure.” That means that a device that uses an individually keyed lock to secure an energy-isolating device in a position that prevents energization of a machine, equipment, or a process is placed before any work commences on the machine. For example, a worker must entirely lock out a machine before performing maintenance or clearing a jam to prevent the machine from accidentally being activated and injuring, electrocuting, or killing the worker.
Ultimately, each party in the workplace has lockout responsibilities in the workplace as part of the Internal Responsibility System (IRS). Refer to the Canadian standard CSA Z460-20, Control of Hazardous Energy - Lockout and Other Methods for more information about roles and responsibilities, various risk assessments, lockout situations, and control methods. Learn how to create a strong Internal Responsibility System |
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Why is Bypassing Lockout Tempting?
Despite the known risk of injury and/or fatality, sometimes workers are tempted to bypass lockout. Why?
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Lack of Understanding: Some workers may not understand the lockout process. While this is tied somewhat to inadequate training, even with training workers may not fully understand the process and the risks involved. As a result, they mistakenly believe that there is no or lower risk if they perform a quick action without locking out.
Workers may also falsely believe that locking inhibits productivity. This misunderstanding is especially pervasive when employees run machines that jam frequently. Workers attempt to clear jams quickly and without locking out to keep production going. Understanding the risk associated with not locking out is an essential component in understanding the why behind lockout procedures. |
Weak Safety Culture: When seasoned workers bypass lockout frequently or when supervisors and managers encourage workers to perform certain tasks without locking out, the safety culture weakens. This makes it more challenging for others to come forward and report hazards, adhere to lockout procedures, and exercise their right to refuse unsafe work.
See a hazard? Use this form to report it Inadequate Training: Lockout is necessary, but some workers find the process daunting due to the multiple steps and various methods. That’s why training is essential. Employees must be training on general lockout knowledge, as well as specific lockout procedures for every single piece of equipment they work on or operate. Learn More about Lockout Training |
Trust MidSouthWest Training and Consulting
MidSouthWest Training and Consulting provides Lockout/Tagout Training. We also have a robust catalogue of eLearning courses available. If you need help developing or reviewing a lockout program, you don’t need to go it alone. MidSouthWest Training and Consulting offers consultative services, and we can help you create and implement an effective lockout program. Contact us to learn more.
You can trust MidSouthWest Training and Consulting to provide you with cost-effective training solutions tailored to meet your organization’s unique health and safety needs.
Download a FREE Hazard Reporting Form!
To learn more, contact us online or call 289.309.1143. Visit us 24/7 on the web at midsouthwest.ca.
You can trust MidSouthWest Training and Consulting to provide you with cost-effective training solutions tailored to meet your organization’s unique health and safety needs.
Download a FREE Hazard Reporting Form!
To learn more, contact us online or call 289.309.1143. Visit us 24/7 on the web at midsouthwest.ca.
Last updated January 18, 2023
