Resources for lockout-tagout

How Signage and Labeling can Improve Reliability

2012-04-04T08:24:53-05:00

The importance of signage and labeling is often underplayed or even ignored when a maintenance program is being discussed. Since we are visual creatures and the visual workplace is the direct application of this, we should take a few minutes to go over some reasons and applications for signage and labeling to get more attention in our programs.

Signage can be for several reasons, such as:

Regulatory compliance (e.g., personal protective equipment, arc flash, Department of Transportation placarding)
Access control, such as “Authorized Personnel Only”
Fire safety, such as extinguisher locations and fire exits
General safety (e.g., cautions about fork truck traffic)
Behavior and training purposes (safety reminders and CPR how-to directions)

Labeling is usually more specific but is also varied in use. Examples include:

Piping labels per ANSI standard

Pfannenberg Introduces Alarm Sounder

2012-02-21T09:43:10-06:00

Pfannenberg has introduced an audible alarm sounder that is specifically designed to conform with safety integrity level (SIL) 1 and 2 systems. Model DS 10-SIL capitalizes on the technology of the company’s workhorse model DS 10 and features an output of 110 decibels, a cast aluminum housing and a legacy for dependable signaling on machinery, heavy equipment and in tough industrial environments.

Enhancements for the SIL version include self-monitoring circuitry and fault-indicating contact closures to alert of failure or initiate shutdown /lockout of machinery until corrective action can be achieved, thus eliminating the need for redundant devices.

The DS 10-SIL also incorporates full statistical data supporting conformity to SIL 1 and SIL 2 requirements, a menu of 32 unique alarm ton

Achieving Zero Failures is Possible

2012-02-20T12:15:37-06:00

In his book, “Making Common Sense Common Practice,” Ron Moore of the RM Group explains that plant safety and reliability are linked and interrelated. He acknowledges that you can get better safety performance by solely focusing on improving safety practices (e.g., wearing personal protective equipment (PPE), implementing better permitting, using proper lockout/tagout procedures, etc.). However, Moore is also of the firm belief that best-performing plants are very disciplined about all their practices, and from that get a synergistic effect in all of their performance measures.

Figures 1 and 2 show examples from a larger set of data that demonstrate the strong correlation between reliability (asset utilization capability) and safety (injury rate). This supports the statement that a more reliable plant is a safer plant.

DuraLabel Announces Free Printer Loaner Program

2011-07-12T13:23:49-05:00

DuraLabel has announced that it will provide a free printer for qualified customers who need repairs, cleaning or tune-ups. The benefit is increased productivity and fewer work interruptions. DuraLabel printers are used to create industrial signs and labels for applications such as general safety, arc flash, pipe marking and lockout/tagout.

Once loaners are received, machines are tested and serviced. Servicing may include updating firmware, updating print headsprings, checking print head alignment and cleaning print head, platen roller, media guides and cutter assemblies. Usually loaners are returned within a week after the original printer is returned. Whenever DuraLabel customers are without a printer and they have a critical labeling job to manage, they receive a loaner. Overnight loaners are available, too.

“Customers are usually surprised and delighted to hear about the free loaner because we’ve all become so accustomed to paying extra for help,&rdq

Brady to offer online training on lockout/tagout compliance, visual workplace

2011-01-18T14:18:31-06:00

This week, Brady Corporation announced the debut of its new eLearning training program, a series of Web-based training courses on workplace safety and productivity. Brady launched the eLearning platform with two comprehensive training modules: a lockout/tagout compliance program and a visual workplace program.

Strategies to optimize shutdowns, turnarounds and outages

2010-12-06T10:21:00-06:00

Poorly executed STOs can cost an organization millions of dollars in lost revenue, drive up operating costs and cause permanent damage to the careers of those involved. This has long been true but is now amplified in the current operational environment, in which most organizations are operating with reduced workforces and resources. Simply put: In today’s business environment, STOs represent not only an increasingly significant challenge, but also an increasingly significant opportunity. Read this article and learn how to maximize your next STO.

OSHA reports on top 10 safety violations for 2009

2009-10-29T00:00:00-05:00

The U.S. Department of Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) on October 28 revealed the preliminary top 10 most-frequent workplace safety violations for 2009 as part of a presentation at the NSC's annual Congress & Expo. The number of top 10 violations has increased almost 30 percent over the same time period in 2008.

"We appreciate our colleagues at OSHA presenting their new violation data to such a receptive audience," said National Safety Council president and CEO Janet Froetscher. "The sheer number of violations gives us n

Weyerhaeuser works with Eaton to cut arc flash risks

2008-04-22T00:00:00-05:00

Diversified industrial manufacturer Eaton Corporation on April 21 announced implementation of a plan to assist Weyerhaeuser Corporation in its efforts to reduce the risk of arc flash hazards. Arc flash prevention is a critical challenge for a wide range of industries and manufacturers globally. The strategic approach positions Weyerhaeuser as an innovator and industry leader on the issue of employee and facility safety.

One part of this program is a recent effort to enhance safety, reliability and productivity at Weyerhaeuser’s integrated paper mill in Springfield, Ore.

“Personal safety, lost productivity, legal liability, equipm

An example of an effective lockout/tagout procedure

2008-03-10T00:00:00-05:00

The procedure outlined in this article establishes the minimum requirements for the lockout or tagout of energy-isolating devices. Lockout is the preferred method of isolating fixtures, equipment or machinery from energy sources. It shall be used to ensure that the fixture, equipment or machinery is isolated from all potentially hazardous energy and locked out or tagged out before associates perform any servicing or maintenance activities where the unexpected energization, start-up or release of stored energy could cause bodily injury and/or to prevent damage to fixtures, equipment, machinery or the environment.

Definitions
Affected associate: This is an associate who works in an area where servicing or maintenance operations are performed. An affected associate does not perform servicing or maintenance on machines or equipment and, consequently, is not responsible for implementing lockout/tagout procedures. However, an authorized associate an

OSHA letter clarifies lockout/tagout requirements

2007-02-16T00:00:00-06:00

In a recent Letter of Interpretation, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration clarifies the application of the Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) standard, 29 CFR §1910.147, to die-setting activities and other machine setup operations.

Die-setting
OSHA says that die-setting activities constitute servicing activities and are covered by the LOTO standard — i.e., pursuant to the definitions for setting up and servicing and/or maintenance contained in §1910.147(b). (The letter specifically addresses die-setting activities with regards to hydraulic power presses.)

OSHA says that safety blocks (as described in the letter), as well as electric disconnect switches (also described in the letter), are energy isolating devices if they physically prevent the transmission or release of energy. See the §1910.147(b) definition of energy isolating device.

Although the safe

The keys to lockout/tagout

2006-05-31T00:00:00-05:00

Picture yourself performing maintenance inside of a huge machine. Suddenly, the machine springs to life, powerful metal gears grinding around you, placing you in mortal danger. That is exactly the sort of terrifying scenario that lockout/tagout is meant to prevent. Lockout/tagout is a procedure to disable equipment to protect workers from either an unexpected release of energy or an accidental start-up while performing job activities.

When the Occupational Safety and Health Administration recently revealed the 10 most-violated OSHA standards, based on citations issued from Oct. 1, 2004, through Aug. 30, 2005, lockout/tagout was the fifth-most-cited standard.
“Obviously, companies should comply with lockout/tagout regulations so they don’t receive citations and fines from OSHA,” says Benjamin Mangan, president of MANCOMM and American Safety Training Inc., two companies that align to provide OSHA compliance products and safety training. “But most impor

Electrical safety is no shocker

2005-09-16T00:00:00-05:00

Electricity is nature’s most versatile form of energy. Electrical power lights our homes, streets, offices and factories. The power of electricity can be dangerous if it’s not used correctly. Electrical energy can damage property and ignite fires. It can also hurt and even kill.

Sound safety practices help minimize electrical hazards and cut down the risk of accidents. The hazard of electricity cannot be eliminated, but it can be controlled though education and engineering. The more you understand about electrical energy, the safer you’ll be.

Cause of Electric Shock
You can get an electric shock if you touch a grounded surface and hazardous electrical equipment at the same time. The shock happens when the flow of current (amperage) from the electrical equipment goes through your body to the ground. How serious the injury d