Control of Hazardous Energies: Lockout/Tagout (LOTO)
This Program applies to all Dartmouth College employees who are “authorized” to work on sources
of hazardous energy and to employees and students who are “affected” by the Program. The
Control of Hazardous Energy Program – Lockout/Tagout (LOTO Program) applies to the servicing
and maintenance of machines and equipment. The unexpected energization or start-up of machines or
equipment, or the release of stored energy, could cause injury to employees. This Program
establishes minimum performance requirements for the control of hazardous energy.
Purpose
The purpose of the LOTO Program is to provide practical implementation, operation, and record keeping of the College’s LOTO Program in compliance with 29 CFR 1910.147 (effective January 2, 1990).This Program describes general procedures for affixing appropriate lockout devices or tagout devices to energy-isolating devices and for otherwise disabling machines or equipment to prevent unexpected energization, start-up, or release of stored energy, thereby preventing employee injury.
Regulatory Requirements
This Program was developed to meet the Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s (OSHA) requirements found in 29 CFR 1910.147, The Control of Hazardous Energy (Lockout/Tagout), 29 CFR 1910.333 Selection and Use of Work Practices (Electrical Safety-Related Work Practices), and other standards incorporated by reference.
Applicability
This Program covers energy control during the servicing and/or maintenance of machines and equipment. Dartmouth campus buildings vary in age from centuries-old to modern. Many buildings on campus have unique systems that are independent of other areas and were built during different periods. This Program applies to simple and complex systems where hazardous energy is used, including, but not limited to, electrical energy, mechanical energy, potential energy, hydraulic energy, steam, and other forms of energy.
This program DOES NOT cover the following instances:
• Work on cord and plug-connected electric equipment when unplugged, and the employee working on the equipment always has complete control over the plug.
• Hot tap operations involving gas, steam, water, or petroleum products, if the College can show that continuity of service is essential, the shutdown is impractical, and documented procedures and special equipment are used to provide proven effective employee protection.