This may be a dumb question but we just got some new machines in our shop and we got a little lock out tag out station with the locks and all that to hang up.

Going through that OSHA website is crazy when it comes to Lockout Tagout. My question is do I have this whole thing figured out in case OSHA shows up.

It doesn't matter where the lockout tagout stuff is kept right? WE are going to hang it in a foreman's office. Basically just train the foreman that are in charge that if they have to work on a machine that they lock it out, tag it, keep the key and once they have it fixed that they take the lock off of the power source themselves, power it up and test the machine before they let other employees operate it. Inform employees that they are not to perform repairs, which they already know.

Is that the Lockout Tagout for dummies?

That seems to be LOTO for dummies.

As far as the training end of it goes, I have two comments to add:

1. Make sure that everyone in the facility is absolutely, unequivocally told (and signs a document) that removal of a Lock/Tag OR energizing a Locked/Tagged machine is EXPRESSLY FORBIDDEN and those actions equal an immediate termination.
2. Those who will be locking and tagging out either need a procedural manual from the manufacturer, or you need an engineer to develop a shutdown procedure. Each source needs to be locked/tagged out, and the foreman or engineer needs to review these procedures INDIVIDUALLY with each person performing maintenance or repair on each specific equipment. The reason that this needs to be done by an engineer or the manufacturer is shutdown order for equipment with multiple forms of energy e.g. electric and hydraulic, is critical so there isn't residual energy.

Good advice from bears00. The purpose of the lockout tagout procedure is to prevent a worker from being injured while repairing machinery. It is VERY important to ensure that ALL sources of energy are locked out. Electricity is only one source of energy. Springs, pressurized air, steam, water sources, etc. can also cause machinery to move unexpectedly.

Check with the manufacturer. If they provided the kit, they probably have a written procedure.

Another source is the National Fire Prevention Association (www.nfpa.org). They have books on LOTO and can also provide a list of certified trainers in your area. NFPA is considered the source for job related safety instruction.

I beleive you need to inspect and review the loto program with the authorized employees annually and have a written certification to that effect. If a piece of equipment is serviced less frequently than annually, the inspection/certification can be made at the next date of service but it is supposed to be in writing.

Just curious, ILGer, were you able to obtain the information that you are looking for?

PAemployer, a very good and reliable source for information regarding your OSHA compliance needs will the the loss control specialists employed by your WC insurance carrier. Call your business/WC insurance broker and have him put you in touch with the right person with your WC carrier. Among other things, they should be doing a periodic on-site inspection for your company to advise you of safety exposures, OSHA requirements, etc.

Some OSHA regulations, such as LOTO, hazardous substances (HazMat), etc., require that you have written compliance policies and that you provide annual training for employees. What your specific OSHA compliance needs are will vary considerably depending on the type of industry you're in. Other possibilities include policies and training for confined spaces, respirators, and so on.

How frequently should the WC insurance carrier be doing on site inspections and advising, ie quarterly, yearly, every couple of years or is it entirely up to the insurance carrier?

How frequently should the WC insurance carrier be doing on site inspections and advising, ie quarterly, yearly, every couple of years or is it entirely up to the insurance carrier?

The WC carrier is not required to do any inspections or provide any advice.

We call on our carrier any time we have a new client where our temps will be working to do an inpection of the work site and advise what the risks are.

Bottom line is, if you are like us and don't have much of a choice on carrier, whatever costs you incur will not be eaten by the carrier, but passed on to you in the form of higher premiums. The cynic in me says this means the carrier has absolutely no interest in protecting you.

So, demand that they protect you often by doing site inspections.