Lockout/Tagout

Arlington, VA — Spurred by recent deaths and injuries caused by the sudden release of energy from belt conveyor systems, the Mine Safety and Health Administration has issued a safety alert.

NFPA 70E discusses complex and simple lockout/tagout. What is this? Does it apply if the work being performed is nonelectrical, such as a product or material change or repairing a mechanical shaft?

How can I perform effective periodic inspections to ensure compliance with OSHA’s standard on lockout/tagout (1910.147)?

How can you ensure your employees are following the lockout/tagout process?

Washington — Onshore oil and gas wells need appropriate well planning and control measures in place to “mitigate the potential for the ignition of flammable material,” the Chemical Safety Board says.

A new contractor has been chosen for my project. What are OSHA’s requirements to ensure I’m keeping my employees and my contractor employees safe?

Many people claim they “don’t work energized,” and so they don’t need NFPA 70E or personal protective equipment. Is this accurate? What do OSHA and NFPA 70E consider “energized work?”

Washington — Pointing to OSHA guidance citing “the significant risks associated with inadequate energy control procedures or the failure to properly implement them,” NIOSH is reminding employers that OSHA’s standard on lockout/tagout (1910.147) requires an inspection of written hazardous energy control procedures at least once a year.