Mech has a wide variety of machinery and equipment throughout our labs and shops. These procedures provide a description of what lockouts are, why lockouts are important and basic steps for locking out machinery and equipment. WorkSafe BC resources regarding lockouts can be found at the bottom of this page.
All information on this page was retrieved from the WorkSafe BC website.
What is a Lockout?
A lockout is the use of a lock to prevent machinery or equipment from being operated. Lockouts are split into two categories:
- Hard Lockout
- Used for hard-wired machinery, where unplugging is not possible. A lock is required to prevent the energy switch from being activated.
- Soft Lockout
- Used for plugged-in equipment. A lock may be required to prevent the operation of equipment.
Why are Lockouts Important?
Lockouts are important to prevent the accidental operation of machinery and equipment; failing to do so may result in severe injury. Lockouts are required prior to scheduled or unplanned maintenance, cleaning of machinery or equipment and clearing material jams.
Basic Lockout Steps
Hard Lockout
- Identify the machinery or equipment that needs to be locked out.
- Shut off the machine or equipment. Make sure that all moving parts come to a complete stop. Ensure that shutting off the equipment will not cause a hazard to other workers.
- Identify and deactivate the main energy-isolating device (such as a switch or valve) for each energy source by placing it in the “off” position. There may be more than one type of power.
- Apply a personal lock to the energy-isolating device for each energy source, and ensure that all parts and attachments are secured against inadvertent movement.
- Try to start the machine. This step is critical: it will tell you if the lockout procedure is effective. First, ensure that everyone is in the clear and that no hazard will be created if the lockout is not effective.
Soft Lockout
- Identify the machinery or equipment that needs to be locked out.
- Shut off the machine or equipment. Make sure that all moving parts come to a complete stop. Ensure that shutting off the equipment will not cause a hazard to other workers.
- Unplug the machine.
- Keep the plug in plain view and within your reach while working on the machine.
- Try to start the machine. This step is critical: it will tell you if the lockout procedure is effective. First, ensure that everyone is in the clear and that no hazard will be created if the lockout is not effective.