What Is Lockout Tagout Training?
Lockout/Tagout training is designed to comply with OSHA’s LOTO standards regarding the proper isolation of potentially dangerous energy sources before any maintenance or servicing activity. It aims to educate employees on how to handle equipment that can unexpectedly release hazardous energy to protect them from workplace accidents like amputations and even death.
Employees should know how to properly shut down industrial equipment, isolate energy sources, and keep the equipment off and still while maintenance activities are being done. Moreover, it is the responsibility of the employer to provide lock out tag out training to employees before they perform any work on or around hazardous equipment.
Who Needs Lockout/Tagout Training?
According to OSHA’s LOTO standard specified in section 1910.147(c)(7)(i), employers shall provide lockout tagout training to the following:
1. Authorized Employees
Authorized employees are those who lock out or tag out equipment so they can perform maintenance or servicing on the equipment. They are those who perform the following activities on equipment, machinery, and movers:
- Cleaning
- Servicing
- Repairing
- Adjusting
- Setting-up
- Unjamming
They must be trained in the following:
- Recognizing sources of hazardous energy
- Magnitude and type of energy found in the workplace
- Energy control procedures for energy isolation
2. Affected Employees
These are workers who:
- Operate equipment that is under lockout or tagout
- Work in the area where maintenance or servicing is being done
Also, affected employees become authorized employees if their duties include maintaining or servicing the equipment. They must be trained on the use and purpose of energy control procedures.
3. Other Employees in the Surrounding Area
These are employees who perform their work in the area where lockout/tagout procedures may be used. They must be given instructions about the procedures and the prohibition of attempting to reenergize or restart equipment/machines that are under lockout or tagout.
Does OSHA Require Annual Lockout Tagout Training?
OSHA didn’t mention anything about annual training, but the standards have set requirements regarding retraining affected and authorized employees. These requirements were specified in section 1910.147(c)(7)(iii).
Retraining shall be done when there is a:
- Change in job assignments
- Change in equipment, machines, or processes that present new hazards
- Change in energy control procedures
Additional retraining should also be done when a recent periodic inspection has revealed gaps or the employer believes that there are inadequacies in the energy control procedures or employee knowledge.
Although retraining is not required annually, periodic inspections (1910.147(c)(6)) should be done at least annually. Thus, ensuring that the LOTO standard requirements are being followed.
How Long Is Lockout Tagout Training?
The length of lockout tagout training programs will depend on the covered topics as well as your specific needs. It can take an hour and can be two to three hours or longer. Training providers who offer online training often don’t set restrictions on how long you can take to complete the course. You can log on and off multiple times until you complete the course so you can train at your own pace.
Hire RPF Environmental for Professional Lockout Tagout Training in New England & Beyond
We are composed of certified professionals who are the best in their own fields who will train your employees on the requirements of LOTO procedures according to OSHA’s standards. We help businesses create a safe workplace for their employees while ensuring compliance with regulatory standards to avoid costly violations.
Learn More Below:
Contact our experts now to know more about our services!
