5 Common Mistakes to Avoid During Lockout Tagout Procedures

Published by Hantover, Inc. on Apr 4, 2024 12:17:59 PM

Importance of Regular Audits for Industrial Facilities

Hantover lock out tag out professional technician engineering workers with safety hard hats maintaining construction equipment in industrial setting

Lockout tagout procedures are crucial in ensuring the safety of employees who work in industrial facilities. However, improper implementation of these procedures can lead to serious accidents, injury, or even death. This article focuses on five common mistakes that safety managers, plant managers, or operations managers should avoid when implementing lockout tagout procedures. We will also highlight the importance of regular audits and inspections to ensure that these procedures are being followed properly and are up-to-date with current regulations and best practices.

Before we delve into the mistakes to avoid, let's first look at some key terms related to lockout tagout procedures:

1 Lockout Procedures

Procedures for securing and disconnecting machinery or equipment to prevent accidental start-up during maintenance or repair.

2 Industrial Safety

The set of practices and policies aimed at ensuring the safety and health of workers in an industrial environment.

3 Plant Safety

The set of safety protocols and measures in place to minimize the risk of accidents, injuries, or fatalities in a plant.

4 Workplace Safety

The measures taken to prevent workplace accidents and injuries, ensure employee safety, and comply with safety regulations.

5 Safety Compliance

The adherence to safety regulations, standards, and guidelines set forth by governing bodies and industry organizations.

6 Safety Inspections

Regular assessments of the workplace to identify hazards, risks, and non-compliant practices, and to ensure safety protocols are being followed.

Hantover lock out tag out workplace accident, workers in hard hats inside of industrial factory setting receiving emergency assistance and help

Lockout, Tagout Mistakes to Avoid

1 Insufficient Training

One of the most common mistakes is inadequate or incomplete training of employees on lockout tagout procedures. Safety managers should ensure that all employees are trained and understand the procedures before they start working with machinery or equipment.

2 Incomplete or Outdated Procedures

Outdated procedures or missing steps can lead to accidents or injuries. It's important to keep lockout tagout procedures up-to-date and to ensure that all necessary steps are included.

3 Failure to Communicate with All Affected Parties

Failure to communicate lockout tagout procedures with all affected parties, including contractors or temporary workers, can lead to confusion and mistakes.

4 Lack of Accountability

Without accountability, there is no way to ensure that employees are followinglockout tagout procedures. Safety managers should ensure that everyone is held accountable for following the procedures.

5 Failure to Conduct Regular Audits and Inspections

Without regular audits and inspections, there is no way to know if the procedures are being followed properly. Safety managers should conduct regular audits and inspections to ensure that lockout tagout procedures are being followed correctly and to identify any areas that need improvement.

Hantover lock out tag out red and yellow padlock with tag that reads danger locked out

Importance of Regular Audits For Lockout, Tagout Procedures:

Regular audits and inspections of lockout tagout procedures are crucial for ensuring the safety of employees in industrial facilities. These audits can identify areas where the procedures are not being followed properly and can help to identify areas that need improvement. Regular audits can also ensure that the procedures are up-to-date with current regulations and best practices. Safety managers should conduct regular audits and inspections and use the findings to improve the lockout tagout procedures and enhance workplace safety.

Implementing lockout tagout procedures in industrial facilities is critical for maintaining workplace safety. By avoiding common mistakes, such as insufficient training, incomplete procedures, and lack of accountability, and conducting regular audits and inspections, safety managers can ensure that lockout tagout procedures are being followed properly and are up-to-date with current regulations and best practices. This will help to enhance workplace safety and prevent accidents, injuries, and fatalities.