There are work situations that can be very hazardous to those who are performing the work, including those who work in confined spaces or around hazardous materials and high voltage. Workers dealing with high voltage or heavy machinery or operation in other energy related fields are often subject to the dangers associated with these types of jobs. Workers performing service or maintenance on machinery and equipment could possibly be exposed to hazardous materials, may be working in small or confined spaces, and can sustain injuries from the unexpected energization, start up of the machinery or equipment, or release of stored energy.
Lockout Tagout programs standard demands the adoption and use of practices and procedures to shut down equipment during a flareup, spark or accident. Lockout tagout kits work to isolate equipment from its energy source, and stop the release of hazardous energy while maintenance and servicing activities are being executed. Lockout tagout programs contains industry requirements, and definitive criteria for creating an effective program for the control of hazardous energy. Employers have the flexibility to develop lock out tag out programs that are suitable for their respective facilities.
Through the use of lockout tagout software and lockout tagout training, employers can teach employees through rigorous training tools and safety procedures that are necessary to preventing accidents. Lockout tagout programs help employers meet the latest industry standards about how to run an energy control program which consists of control procedures, training, inspections and more, all to ensure that before any maintenance or service occurs, all machines, equipment and tools that could start up unexpectedly or become energized, are kept well away from the energy source and are deemed safe.
Occupational Safety and Health Administration standards require companies to create and utilize a comprehensive confined space program for their employees who are involved in confined space work. A key element of that program is providing confined space training for affected workers. Classes, which can be taught by certified instructors or online can be based on the OSHA 1910 industry standar for permit required confined spaces or the 1926, which pertains to construction, high voltage and machine operations. These courses are available throughout the United States and on the Internet.