Title
Industrial Maintenance and Construction/Support Services Safety Manual - Lockout/Tagout Policy
Introduction
The goal of the Lockout Tagout Policy is to prevent injuries resulting from failure to use practices and procedures necessary for the control of hazardous energy. It will ensure that machines and equipment are isolated from all potentially hazardous energy sources and are locked out or tagged out before individuals perform any servicing or maintenance work. The Lockout Tagout Policy is administered by the Department of Environment, Health and Safety (EHS).
Regulatory Authority
NC OSHA regulates occupational exposure of employees who are involved in the control of hazardous energy through lockout/tagout activities or whose jobs require them to potentially be exposed to hazardous energy.
Responsibilities
Environment, Health and Safety
EHS assists with the development and review of departmental equipment-specific lockout/tagout procedures and training programs, conducts periodic inspections to verify departmental compliance with the Lockout/Tagout Policy, and updates the policy and program as necessary.
Directors and Department Chairs
Directors or department chairs make necessary provisions, in collaboration with EHS, to ensure employees are protected from all potentially hazardous energy during any servicing or maintenance activity. They provide the resources and personnel necessary to comply with the Lockout/Tagout Policy and Program.
Assistant Directors, Department Managers, Superintendents and Principal Investigators
Assistant Directors, department managers and superintendents determine the applicability of the lockout/tagout program to activities conducted in their areas. They designate individuals responsible for the implementation of the lockout/tagout program and ensure compliance with the program.
Work Unit Supervisors
Work Unit Supervisors are responsible for the implementation of the lockout/tagout policy and program. They develop, enforce and update equipment-specific lockout/tagout procedures. They work in conjunction with other departments to develop lockout/tagout procedures for co-maintained and operated equipment. They ensure all employees involved in lockout/tagout activities have the appropriate level of training. Supervisors evaluate the needs of their areas and equip employees with the materials required to safely perform lockout/tagout. They conduct annual inspections of employees performing lockout/tagout.
Employees
All employees involved in lockout/tagout activities are responsible for understanding and following the requirements of the Lockout/Tagout Program. Employees not involved with the LOTO program must understand that they are not allowed to remove LOTO locks and tags under any circumstances.
Contractors
Contractors performing servicing or maintenance activities must inform UNC of their lockout/tagout procedures. The contractor must work in conjunction with UNC to determine the appropriate joint lockout/tagout procedures. They must ensure their employees understand and comply with all requirements of the approved joint procedures.
Individuals Involved in the Purchase of Energy-Isolating Devices
Individuals involved in the purchase of equipment shall ensure that all new and replacement energy-isolating devices are capable of accepting a lockout device.
Complaint Response
Occasionally employees raise concerns about the potential for exposure to hazardous energy during the servicing and/or maintenance of equipment or machines. Employees are encouraged to call EHS at 919-962-5507 with any concerns about their work areas. The investigation of these concerns is confidential and may be anonymous, if the employee wishes. The investigation includes an inspection of their work areas and an evaluation of their potential exposure.
Resources
- OSHA Control of Hazardous Energy (Lockout/Tagout) Standard. 29 CFR 1910.147, General Industry Standard
The Lockout Tagout Program outlines in detail how to implement the lockout tagout policy.
- OSHA Electrical Power Generation, Transmission, and Distribution Standard. 29 CFR 1910.269, General Industry Standard.
The 1910.269 standard applies specifically to the UNC-CH Electric Distribution Systems (EDS) Department. EDS has an internal Lockout Tagout Program that addresses their unique hazards and requirements associated with deenergizing lines and equipment.
Contact Information
Policy Contact
Environment, Health and Safety
1120 Estes Drive
Campus Box #1650
Chapel Hill, NC 27599-1650
Phone: 919-962-5507