MSHA Lock Out Tag Out Enforcement To Increase
Updated on January 26, 2016 by Sales Team
MSHA Lock Out Tag Out Enforcement Update
More information has come out since last week’s MSHA Lock Out Tag Out emphasis announcement.
MSHA inspectors will focus heavily on locking out energy sources before performing any maintenance or repairs. In particular, MSHA singled out 1 mechanical lock out standard and three electrical lock out standards that will be emphasized:
Mechanical Lock Out
- 30 CFR §56/57.14105 – Procedures during repairs or maintenance
Electrical Lock Out
- 30 CFR §56/57.12006 – Distribution boxes
- 30 CFR §56/57.12016 – Work on electrically powered equipment
- 30 CFR §56/57.12017 – Work on power circuits
MSHA Lock Out Tag Out Inspections
There is only one way MSHA inspectors can check if a company is using proper lock out tag out procedures. When the MSHA inspector shows up (unannounced as always) he will go directly to the motor control center. If any maintenance is in progress he’ll be checking for:
- All energy sources isolated and locked out
- An individual lock for each person performing the maintenance
- A lock for which only one person has the key
- A tag with each person’s name and the date on each lock or
- One tag with the name of every person performing maintenance and the date
Isolating and locking out all energy sources seems to be the largest point of emphasis. In addition to what you’re working on, you must lock out any parts or machines or material that could potentially injure. For example, if you’re working on a cone crusher you must lock out the crusher itself. But you also need to lock out the belts going to and from the crusher. There’s a very good example of this in MSC’s Rules To Live By section which is available in our free trial.
Lock Out, Tag Out, Try Out – Every Time
In a great post, ISHN magazine outlined the most common problems with Lock Out Tag Out. Even after 16 years it’s spot on. I would only add one point. While “trying out” isn’t required by law, it is a best practice. You can’t truly know something is locked out until you’ve tried to turn it on and nothing happens. As MSHA pointed out in their announcement, “it’s not locked out until you’ve tried it out.”
Why do we try out? Our expert Kim Redding was recently consulting at a Cement plant where they needed to replace a belt. Every energy source to the conveyor was identified and locked out; not an easy task when there are over 5,000 breakers in one breaker box. The employees followed every regulation and protocol to the letter. But what happened when they tested their lock out? The belt turned on. Someone had mislabeled breaker, a mistake that seems small until someone’s life is on the line. We all know what could have happened if those workers hadn’t tested their lock out.
Including where you’re working, either the location or equipment, on tags is another best practice. You’re not required by law to include this information, but it’s a very good idea. It only takes a few extra seconds and could prevent a serious accident.
MSHA lock out tag out enforcement will increase in the coming months. Are you ready? To prepare, you can take our free Lock Out Tag Out module.
