LOTO (Lock Out Tag Out) Prochedure

The eight basic steps to a LOTO procedure are as follows:

1. Prepare for the shutdown. An important part of preparedness is being

appropriately trained and aware of the hazardous energy sources involved and
how to control them.

2. Notify affected employees. Ensure that workers in the affected area are fully
aware of the impending lockout.

3. Shut down the equipment. This should be done in a safe and orderly manner,
in accordance with the equipment-specific procedure or operating manual.

4. Isolate energy sources. For example, a circuit breaker or valve that supplies
energy to the equipment.

5. Apply LOTO devices to energy sources. This is a device, such as a padlock, that
physically prevents the equipment from being energized. Each person involved in
the lockout (OSHA defines them as authorized employees) will have their own
lockout device, and it will feature a tag displaying who locked it out, when and why.
Multiple lockout devices on one piece of equipment are common.

6. Release/control all stored energy. For example: compressed air, capacitors

that hold an electrical charge or stored mechanical energy like compressed
springs.

7. Verify the lockout. This is the most important step, and the one most easily
overlooked. It is absolutely critical that personnel double-check that all hazardous
energy has been isolated.

8. Maintain the lockout. Be certain that the equipment remains in a lockout state
until service can be safely restored.
 CONFINED SPACE PROCHEDURE

(PERMIT REQUIRED)

 Obtain a copy of the entry permit and hazard assessment and review the hazards associated with
the space

 Ensure that the appropriate PPE, Rescue Retrieval Equipment and Communications Equipment are
available and in good working condition

 Lockout/Tagout any hazardous energy that the entrant could be exposed to

 Conduct continuous air monitoring utilizing a multi-gas air monitor

 The space must be labeled with a confined space “DANGER” sign

 Review the confined space “DANGER” sign and make sure the information corresponds with the
information on the hazard assessment

 Notify the Operations Center (include names and the confined space ID number) and wait for
authorization to begin the entry

 When the entry is finished notify the Operations Center

 Return the permit to your Supervisor

 PPE PROCHEDURE
SECTION 1 - PURPOSE
(1)To outline the practices for the selection, use, maintenance, replacement,
storage, training in, and review of safety equipment and Personal Protective
Equipment (PPE).

Scope
(2)This Procedure requires actions by:
a. Executive Dean;
b. Head of Office;
c. Health and Safety Coordinator;
d. Staff member; and
e. Supervisor.
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SECTION 2 - POLICY
(3)Nil.
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SECTION 3 - PROCEDURES
Responsibilities and Required Actions
Supervisor
Provide PPE
(4)Select and provide PPE as follows:
a. provide personal protective clothing or equipment free of charge
to employees;
b. ensure that the equipment is appropriate;
c. ensure that employees receive appropriate instruction in the use
of the equipment;
d. ensure that equipment is used in the manner required;
e. ensure that employees use protective clothing and equipment for
the purpose provided; and
f. ensure that all protective equipment and clothing provided by the
University complies with current legal requirements, and meets or
exceeds a relevant Australian Standard.
(5)Provide PPE for the following situations:
a. Head protection - Provide a safety helmet where there is a
possibility that a person may be struck on the head or where there
is the risk of contact with electrical hazards.
b. Eye protection - Provide eye protectors where a risk of eye injury
exists. Typical hazards might include flying particles, dust,
splashing substances, harmful gases, vapours, aerosols, and high
intensity radiation from welding operations.
c. Hearing protection - Provide ear protectors where there exists a
risk of noise-induced hearing loss, as assessed by noise surveys in
potential noise hazard areas.
d. Respiratory protection - Provide protection, after all other
practicable measures have been taken to provide control
measures, so that no employee is exposed to an atmosphere that
may be injurious to health.
e. Sun protection - Provide protective clothing and sunscreen for
employees who are required to work outdoors and are exposed to
the sun's rays for continuous periods. Provide hats, long sleeves /
trousers and an adequate supply of sunscreen to minimise direct
exposure of the skin to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from outdoor
work.
f. Hand protection - Provide protection where there is potential for
hand injury.
g. Feet protection – Provide safety footwear where the nature of the
work exposes an employee to a medium to high risk of injury to
feet, e.g. occupations such as workshop / maintenance and
gardening.
h. Visibility is required - Provide high visibility safety vests where
there is a risk of injury associated with working on or near
roadways, near moving traffic or near moving equipment.
(6)Take care to ensure that PPE does not create additional hazards during use.
(7)Protective equipment should be in a clean and hygienic condition and should not
be shared between wearers unless the equipment is considered clean.
Select / Replace PPE
(8)Selecting the most appropriate PPE for a task is the first step to ensuring a user is
protected against a hazard. In all instances, consult employees regarding the type of
equipment being considered.
(9)The decision on selecting PPE can be supported by sources of information
including:
a. designers, manufacturers or suppliers of PPE;
b. Australian Standards;
c. material safety data sheets;
 d. risk assessments; and
e. safe work procedures (safe work methods statements / job safety
analysis).
(10)Note that not all PPE will meet the same performance requirements and provide
the same protection. For example, no one type of glove provides adequate
protection against all chemicals.
(11)When selecting the appropriate PPE, give consideration to characteristics such
as:
a. durability;
b. permeability;
c. abrasion resistance;
d. burn resistance;
e. insulation;
f. cut resistance;
g. ability to be cleaned;
h. size;
i. comfort; and
j. appropriateness - any protective equipment provided for use
should be appropriate for the wearer. The equipment should fit,
be comfortable and be compatible with the working environment
and any other PPE used at the same time.
Store
(12)Store protective equipment in an appropriate and clearly identified place so that
it remains clean and not exposed to the weather.
Maintain
(13)As part of regular workplace inspections, check PPE to ensure it is in good
working order and that it continues to control the risk it is intended to control.
Maintenance should include an inspection before each use to determine if the
equipment has sustained any damage and whether it will work as intended. Where
PPE is damaged, it should be either repaired or disposed of appropriately and
replaced.
Train
(14)Train any wearer of PPE in the correct use, appropriate fitting, and any
limitations, of the equipment. Provide instructions on the correct use of the
equipment, maintenance and storage.
Staff Member
Advise of Problems or Defects with PPE
(15)Report to your supervisor any discomfort when using PPE.
(16)Inform your supervisor of any defects or deficiencies in PPE equipment.
Health and Safety Coordinator
Review
(17)Regularly review, with relevant stakeholders, all PPE in order to ensure that it
continues to be effective and applicable. Conditions which might warrant a review of
PPE on a more frequent basis would include:
a. an injury or near miss resulting from failure associated with PPE;
b. incidents related to PPE;
c. changes to Codes of Practice; and
d. employee or employer concern.
(18)Following completion of any review, revise and update the PPE equipment and
instructions as required in order to correct any deficiencies.
Executive Dean / Head of Office
(19)Contribute to the cost of prescription eye protectors up to the recommended
maximum contribution of $400.
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SECTION 4 - GUIDELINES
(20)Nil.
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SECTION 5 - DEFINITIONS
(21)Commonly defined terms are located in the University Glossary. The following
definitions apply for the purpose of this Procedure:
a. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) means any clothing,
equipment or substance designed to protect a person from risks of
injury or illness. PPE can include:
i. hearing protective devices, e.g. ear muffs and ear
plugs;
ii. respirators;
iii. eye and face protection, e.g. goggles;
iv. safety helmets, sun hats, sunscreen, repellants;
v. gloves and safety boots; and
vi. clothing, e.g. high visibility vests or life jackets.
(22)Note: Do not over-estimate the protection afforded by PPE.
 ELECTRICAL SAFE WORK

01. PREVENT ALL POTENTIAL CONTACT WITH

LIVE ELECTRICAL CURRENT
The best way to stay safe is to stay away from electrical hazards. Unqualified personnel
should not interact or come close to electrical currents greater than 50V. If you must work in
the same area or room as an electrical hazard or equipment operating on more than 50V,
maintain a safe distance. All panel doors should be shut, and there should be no exposed
wires around your work area before you begin your operations.

02. DE-ENERGIZE EQUIPMENT AND USE

LOCKOUT/TAGOUT
Exposed, live electrical parts must be de-energized before work on or near them is permitted.
Prevent accidents and isolate electrical energy by locking and tagging out the electrical
system or parts of the system according to your company’s Lockout/Tagout policy.
Lockout/Tagout exists to protect employees from electrical hazards while performing
servicing and maintenance activities. Learn more in our article: What is Lockout/Tagout?
For more in-depth information about implementing proper Lockout/Tagout procedures in
your facility, you may be interested in eSafety’s Lockout/Tagout course.

03. ENSURE SAFE USE OF ELECTRICAL

EQUIPMENT
Properly using all electrical equipment can go a long way to ensure everyone’s safety in the
workplace.
Employees should take care to handle electrical cords properly:
 Always unplug cords by pulling on the plug head, rather than the cord
 Don’t press or overstretch electrical cords
 Don’t fasten cords with staples
 Don’t hang electrical equipment from cords
Additionally, all cords and plugs in the workplace should be visually inspected for external
defects prior to use. If you encounter a cord or plug with damage, do not use that equipment.

04. INSTALL PROPER PHYSICAL BARRIERS

AROUND ELECTRICAL HAZARDS
Physical barriers should always be used to protect employees from any electrical hazards.
Cabinet doors on electrical panels should always be closed, and panels should not have holes
where an employee could come into contact with exposed wires.
If cabinets cannot be closed, or if an electrical hazard cannot be fully closed in, shields,
barriers, or insulating materials should be used.
For example, if a qualified electrician is performing maintenance on an electrical panel and
must keep the panel open, physical barriers should be put in place to prevent others from
entering the area. Signs should be placed to warn employees of the hazard, and the area in
front of the electrical panel should be kept free of any obstructions.

05. BEWARE OF CONDUCTIVE TOOLS AND

CLEANING MATERIALS
If you are working in an area where an electrical hazard is present, always assume that
electrical parts are live, and act accordingly. Do not use conductive tools in the area.
If you are cleaning the area, note that some cleaning materials are conductive as well and
require additional caution. Solvent and water-based cleaning materials are electrically
conductive, as are steel wool and metalized cloth. Keep these cleaning products, as well as
any conductive tools, away from live electrical parts and equipment.

06. WHEN WORKING OVERHEAD, LOOK ABOVE

FOR ELECTRICAL LINES
When performing any work or maintenance overhead, beware of electrical lines. In most
workplaces, there is the potential for live electrical equipment and parts above the floor level,
which are only accessible with ladders or elevated platforms. Be sure to use a portable ladder
with non-conductive side rails, and stay at least 10 feet away from any exposed electrical
lines while you are performing overhead work.

07. USE EXTREME CAUTION WITH FLAMMABLE

MATERIALS
Electrical equipment that can cause ignition must not be used where flammable vapors, gases,
or dust are present. The only exception to this rule is when qualified personnel take measures
to lockout and isolate electrical energy sources before these potentially flammable materials
may be used or the electrical equipment is designed for use under these types of conditions.

08. ONLY QUALIFIED PERSONNEL SHOULD

WORK ON LIVE ELECTRICAL WIRES
If you encounter a live electrical wire, stay away. Only qualified personnel with the proper
training should work on live electrical wires. The same electrical safety precaution applies to
hazardous electrical equipment. Any live electrical hazard should only be approached and
managed by qualified personnel. If you see a live electrical wire that is not attended, you
should notify the appropriate electrical safety personnel, who should immediately place
physical safety barriers.

09. ALWAYS FOLLOW YOUR COMPANY’S

ELECTRICAL SAFETY WORK PRACTICES
Every company has unique electrical safety work practices depending on the electrical
equipment and hazards present in your industry and workplace. It is important to always
follow your company’s specific electrical safety work practices to keep yourself, and other
employees safe.
10. ELECTRICAL SHOCK CAN BE DEADLY
In every situation, treat an electrical part as if it is live. Electrically live parts do not look
different from de-energized parts. To ensure safety, it’s best to assume that any electrical part
is live. Take precautions to keep power on its path, and protect yourself. You can’t be too
careful when it comes to electricity.