Module 8

Electrical Safety and

Lockout Tagout (LOTO)

The  OSH  Standard  has  

devoted  an  entire  section  
(Rule  1210)  which  specify  
standards  on  ELECTRICAL  
SAFETY.

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 Control  of  Hazardous  Energy  

OSHA Standard 29 CFR 1910.147

Terminology  
—  Circuit  -­‐-­‐  complete  path  of  the  current.    Includes  electricity  source,  
a  conductor,  and  the  output  device  or  load  (such  as  a  lamp,  tool,  or  
heater)  
 
—  Current  -­‐-­‐  electrical  movement  (measured  in  amps)  

—  Voltage  –  is  a  force  that  makes  the  electricity  moves  through  a  wire  
(measure  in  volts)  
 
—  Resistance  -­‐-­‐  restriction  to  electrical  flow    

—  Conductors  –  materials  with  little  resistance  to  electricity  that  

allow  electricity  to  flow    

—  Insulators  -­‐-­‐  materials  with  high  resistance  to  electricity  that  
prevent  electricity  from  getting  to  unwanted  areas  

—  Grounding  –  a  conductive  connection  to  the  earth  which  acts  as  a  
protective  measure  
 
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OHM’S LAW
V (voltage)
I (current) = -----------------------
R (resistance)
                                                 

LOW VOLTAGE is 24 to 600 volts, and

“safety” low voltage refers to voltages
below 24 volts.

Electricity  –  How  it  Works  

—  Electricity  is  the  flow  of  
energy  from  one  place  to  
another  
—  Requires  a  source  of  power:  
usually  a  generating  station  
—  A  flow  of  electrons  
(current)  travels  through  a  
conductor  
—  Travels  in  a  closed  circuit  

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 Electricity  -­‐  The  Dangers  
—  About  5  workers  are  
electrocuted  every  week  
—  Causes  12%  of  young  
worker  workplace  
deaths    
—  Takes  very  little  
electricity  to  cause  harm    
—  Significant  risk  of  
causing  fires  

How  Electricity  Affects  the  Body?  

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 Electrical  Injuries  
There  are  four  main  types  of  electrical  injuries:  
—  Direct:  
Ø  Electrocution  or  death  due  to  electrical  shock  

Ø  Electrical  shock  

Ø  Burns    
—  Indirect  -­‐  Falls  
 

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 Electrical  Shock  
An  electrical  shock  is  received  when  
electrical    
current  passes  through  the  body.    
 
You  will  get  an  electrical  shock  if  a  part  of  
your    
body  completes  an  electrical  circuit  by…  
 
—  Touching  a  live  wire  and  an  electrical  
ground,  or  
—  Touching  a  live  wire  and  another  wire  
at  a  different  voltage.  

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Shock  Severity  
—  Severity  of  the  shock  depends  on:  
—  Path  of  current  through  the  body  
—  Amount  of  current  flowing  through  
the  body  (amps)  
—  Duration  of  the  shocking  current  
through  the  body,    
—  LOW  VOLTAGE  DOES  NOT  MEAN  
LOW  HAZARD  

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 Burns  
—  Occurs  when  you  touch  
electrical  wiring  or  
equipment  that  is  
improperly  used  or  
maintained  
—  Typically  occurs  on  hands  
—  Very  serious  injury  that  
needs    immediate  
attention  

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7
 Falls  
—  Electric  shock  can  also  
cause  indirect  injuries      
—  Workers  in  elevated  
locations  who  experience  a  
shock  may  fall,  resulting  in  
serious  injury  or  death  

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Hazard  –  Exposed  Electrical  Parts  

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 Hazard  –  Defec@ve  Cords  &  Wires  
—  Plastic  or  rubber  
covering  is  
missing  

—  Damaged  
extension  cords  &  
tools  

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Hazard  –  Damaged  Cords  

—  Cords  can  be  damaged  by:  
—  Aging  
—  Door  or  window  edges  
—  Staples  or  fastenings  
—  Abrasion  from  adjacent  
materials  
—  Activity  in  the  area  
—  Improper  use  can  cause  
shocks,  burns  or  fire  

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 Hazard  –  Overloaded  Circuits  
Hazards  may  result  from:  
—  Too  many  devices  plugged  into  
a  circuit,  causing  heated    wires  
and  possibly  a  fire  
—  Damaged  tools  overheating  
—  Lack  of  overcurrent    protection  
—  Wire  insulation  melting,  which  
may  cause  arcing  and  a  fire  in  
the  area  where  the  overload  
exists,  even  inside  a  wall  

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Extension Cord Hazards

Extension cords are approved for temporary use only. If extended use is required,
hard wiring such as a new outlet should be installed. Extension cords are easily frayed,
a condition which may expose bare wires. If not properly placed, extension cords may
also become a trip hazard.

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Temporary  Lights  

 Protect  from  contact  and  damage,  and  don’t  

suspend  by  cords  unless  designed  to  do  so.    

OSHA Office of Training & Education

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 Hazard  –  Improper  Grounding  
—  Tools  plugged  into  
improperly  grounded  
circuits  may  become  
energized  
—  Broken  wire  or  plug  on  
extension  cord  
—  Some  of  the  most  
frequently  violated  OSHA  
standards  

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Grounding  
       Grounding  creates  a  low-­‐
resistance  path  from  a  tool  
to  the  earth  to  disperse  
unwanted  current.      
         
       When  a  short  or  lightning  
occurs,  energy  flows  to  the  
ground,  protecting  you  
from  electrical  shock,  
injury  and  death.  

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Control  –  Ground  Tools  &  Equipment  
—  Ground  power  supply  systems,  
electrical  circuits,  and  electrical  
equipment    
—  Frequently  inspect  electrical  
systems  to  insure  path  to  ground  is  
continuous  
—  Inspect  electrical  equipment  before  
use  
—  Don’t  remove  ground  prongs  from  
tools  or  extension  cords  
—  Ground  exposed  metal  parts  of  
equipment  

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Control  –  Use  GFCI  (ground-­‐fault  circuit  

interrupter)  
—  Protects  you  from  shock  
—  Detects  difference  in  current  
between  the  black  and  white  wires    
—  If  ground  fault  detected,  GFCI  
shuts  off  electricity  in  1/40th  of  a    
second  
—  Use  GFCI’s  on  all  240-­‐volt,  single-­‐
phase,  15-­‐  and  20-­‐ampere  
receptacles,  or  have  an  assured  
equipment  grounding  conductor  
program.      

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13
 Control  –  Isolate  Electrical  
Parts  
—  Use  guards  or  
barriers    
 
—  Replace  covers  

Guard live parts of electric equipment

operating at 50 volts or more against
accidental contact

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Control  –  Isolate  Electrical  Parts    -­‐  Cabinets,  

Boxes  &  FiTngs  

 Conductors  going  into  them  must  be  protected,  and  

unused  openings  must  be  closed  

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 Control  –  Close  Openings  
—  Junction  boxes,  pull  boxes  
and  fittings  must  have  
approved  covers  
—  Unused  openings  in  
cabinets,  boxes  and  fittings  
must  be  closed  (no  missing  
knockouts)  

Photo shows violations

of these two requirements

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Control  -­‐  Overhead  Power  Lines  

—  Stay  at  least  10  feet  away  
—  Post  warning  signs  
—  Assume  that  lines  are  
energized  
—  Use  wood  or  fiberglass  
ladders,  not  metal  
—  Power  line  workers  need          
special  training  &  PPE  

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 Control  –  Cords  &  Wires  
—  Insulate  live  wires      
—  Check  before  use  
—  Use  only  cords  that  are  3-­‐wire  type    
—  Use  only  cords  marked  for  hard  or  
extra-­‐hard  usage  
—  Use  only  cords,  connection  devices,  
and  fittings  equipped  with  strain  
relief  
—  Remove  cords  by  pulling  on  the  
plugs,  not  the  cords  
—  Cords  not  marked  for  hard  or  extra-­‐
hard  use,  or  which  have  been  
modified,  must  be  taken  out  of  
service  immediately  

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Control  –  Use  the  Correct  Wire  

—  Wire  used  depends  on  operation,  building  materials,  
electrical  load,  and  environmental  factors  
—  Use  fixed  cords  rather  than  flexible  cords  
—  Use  the  correct  extension  cord  

Must be 3-wire type and designed for hard or extra-hard use

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Preven@ng  Electrical  Hazards  -­‐  Tools  
—  Inspect  tools  before  use  
—  Use  the  right  tool  correctly  
—  Protect  your  tools  
—  Use  double  insulated  tools  

Double Insulated marking

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Avoid  Wet  Condi@ons  

—  If  you  touch  a  live  wire  or  other  
electrical  component  while  standing  
in  even  a  small  puddle  of  water  you’ll  
get  a  shock.      
—  Damaged  insulation,  equipment,  or  
tools  can  expose  you  to  live  electrical  
parts.    
—  Improperly  grounded  metal  switch  
plates  &  ceiling  lights  are  especially  
hazardous  in  wet  conditions.    
—  Wet  clothing,  high  humidity,  and  
perspiration  increase  your  chances  of  
being  electrocuted.    

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Preven@ng  Electrical  Hazards  -­‐  PPE  
—  Proper  foot  protection  
(not  tennis  shoes)  
—  Rubber  insulating  
gloves,  hoods,  sleeves,  
matting,  and  blankets    
—  Hard  hat  (insulated  -­‐  
nonconductive)  

OSHA Office of Training & Education 35

Summary  –  Hazards  &  Protec@ons  

Hazards   Protective  Measures  
—  Inadequate  wiring   —  Proper  grounding  
—  Exposed  electrical  parts  
—  Use  GFCI’s  
—  Wires  with  bad  insulation  
—  Ungrounded  electrical  systems   —  Use  fuses  and  circuit  
and  tools   breakers  
—  Overloaded  circuits   —  Guard  live  parts  
—  Damaged  power  tools  and   —  Lockout/Tagout  
equipment  
—  Using  the  wrong  PPE  and  tools   —  Proper  use  of  flexible  
—  Overhead  powerlines   cords  
—  All  hazards  are  made  worse  in   —  Close  electric  panels  
wet  conditions   —  Training  
 
 
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What  A  Typical  Lockout  Tagout  Looks  Like  
With  an  Equipment  Lock.  

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 ð  Failure to establish a written energy
control program.

ð  Failure to develop machine-specific

lockout procedures.

ð  Failure to properly train employees.

ð  Failure to conduct periodic audits.

ð  Failure to provide or utilize the proper

lockout devices.

LOCKOUT is
blocking the flow
of energy from the
power source to
the equipment –
and keeping it
blocked out.

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TAGOUT

Is a written warning
tag placed on the
energy isolating
device which is in the
off or closed position.

L o c k o u t / Ta g o u t
protects you from the
unexpected start-up of
machines or release of
stored energy during
service or maintenance.

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WHY LOTO IS IMPORTANT?
•  The Lock Out / Tag
Out procedure
prevents the
unexpected start up
or release of stored
energy that could
cause injury to
employees by placing
a lock and/or warning
tag on an energy
isolation device.

Your Safety – and that your co – workers –

depends on proper recognition and use of
locks and tags. So remember:
•  Never use your lockout / tagout equipment
for locking personnel or unauthorized items.
•  Never lend or borrow a lock or tag.
•  Never remove someone else’s lock or tag.

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LOCKS OR TAGS?
OSHA considers using a LOCK Safer than
just using a Tag.

The OSHA Standard

allows a tag in the
place of a lock only if
the TAGOUT provides
the equivalent
protection of a
lockout.

WHAT DOES LOCKOUT/TAGOUT

STANDARDS- REQUIRES ?
•  THAT ALL ENERGY
SOURCES BE
TURNED OFF AND
“LOCK OUT” WHILE
MACHINES ARE
BEING SERVICE OR
MAINTAINED.

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ENERGY SOURCES
ü  Electrical – can be a direct source
ü  Hydraulic – uses fluid under pressure
ü  Pneumatic – uses air under pressure
ü  Kinetic – the energy created in a moving
object
ü  Potential – stored energy such as the
energy in capacitors, compressed air,
hydraulics and springs
ü  Pressurized liquids or gases – including
steam and chemicals present in pipes
and supply lines
ü  Any other energy – including thermal or
mechanical energy, gravity, pressurized
systems and elevated parts

WHEN TO LOCKOUT/TAGOUT

Whenever you are performing

service or maintenance on any
machine to prevent unexpected
start-up or release of energy.
Includes:
§  Constructing / Inspecting
§  Installing / Modifying
§  Setting up / Maintaining
§  Adjusting / Servicing

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6 STEPS TO LOCK OUT / TAG OUT

1.  Preparation for Shutdown

2.  Shutdown Equipment
3.  Isolation all Energy Sources
4.  Application of LOTO
5.  Release or Control of Energy

6.  Verify Equipment Isolation

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1. PREPARATION FOR SHUTDOWN
•  Know the equipment and
its energy source before
working on it.
•  C h e c k w i t h y o u r
supervisor for a written
procedure that details
the shutdown of the
equipment you’re
working on.

Understand Equipment Hazards.

Notify Affected Employee &
Other Workers for Shutdown.

2. SHUTDOWN EQUIPMENT
Ø  Turn off the equipment
as directed by the
company procedure.
Ø  This may be done by the
use of ON and OFF
switch or a more
complicated method.

Turn all Switches to Off.

Shut all Control Valves.
Disable all sources of
Energy

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3. ISOLATE ALL ENERGY SOURCES
•  Find and isolate every
form of energy supplying
machine uses.
•  Pull fuses,
•  throwing disconnects ;
•  (Capping) blinding any
secondary sources of
energy.

Shut off Valves. Open

Breakers & Disconnect.

4. APPLICATION OF LOTO
n  Application of Lock and
Tags to all energy-isolating
equipment, valves and
switches.
n  In situations where multiple
pieces of equipment are
being locked, an authorized
employee places all keys in a
lock box to which each
employee attaches his or her
personal lock.

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5. RELEASE OR CONTROL OF ENERGY
1.  Relieve, disconnect or restrain any
residual hazardous energy that
could be present.
2.  Check all moving parts have
stopped turning. Stop rotating parts.
3.  Relieve trapped pressure.
4.  Blank pipe flanges.
5.  Install ground wires to discharge
electrical capacitors.
6.  B l o c k o r s u p p o r t e l e v a t e d
equipment.
7.  Drain fluids & Vent Gases.
8.  Allow System to Cool

6. VERIFY EQUIPMENT ISOLATION

Don’t take anything for
granted. Double check
your steps. Verify that
you:
1.  S h u t d o w n the
equipment,
2.  E n e r g y source
isolated,
3.  Lock and tag applied
4.  Any stored energy
controlled.

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3 STEPS TO REMOVAL AND
RE-ENERGIZING
1.  Restore Work Area
§  Remove all tools
§  D o u b l e - c h e c k a l l
equipment components
§  R e p l a c e a l l s a f e t y
features, such as
machine guards
§  Close access panels that
were opened to perform
service on equipment

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3 STEPS TO REMOVAL AND
RE-ENERGIZING
2. Notify Personnel
•  Notify all employees
that LOTO devices are
being removed.
•  Remove employees
from the area or make
sure they are a safe
distance from the
equipment,

3 STEPS TO REMOVAL AND

RE-ENERGIZING
3. Remove LOTO Devices
•  The person who placed
each device must be the
one to remove it.
•  If someone who placed a
LOTO device is not
present, notify your
supervisor who will
follow specific
procedures. Never
remove it yourself.

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 After all devices are removed, tell
affected employees that LOTO is
ended and that the equipment is
Restarting the Equipment… being re-energized.

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