Steps of Lockout procedure
Lockout Preparation
- Identification of the installations to be locked out
- Identification of the people involved in the intervention
- Identification of the scheduled intervention dates
- Identification of the operating procedures to be followed
Physical Lockout
- Shutting down the installations
- Operating the isolation devices, following lockout procedures if necessary
- Installing lockout padlocks and tags on the isolation devices
- Verifying the absence of voltage (LOTO test), mechanical constraints, or pressurized fluids
- Implementing additional measures if re-energization is possible, such as grounding or short-circuiting
- Recording the lockout in the lockout register with dates and times
- Marking and signaling the locked-out area
Performing the Intervention
- Placement of padlocks on the isolation devices or lock boxes by the operators to ensure personal safety
- Recording on the lockout certificate the transfer of responsibility from the Lockout Supervisor to the Work Supervisor
- Carrying out the work safely on locked-out equipment
- Inspection and withdrawal of all personnel involved
- Removal of the operators’ padlocks
- Notification of work completion for the transfer of responsibility back from the Work Supervisor to the Lockout Supervisor
Physical Unlocking (De-lockout)
- Operating the isolation devices, following de-lockout procedures if necessary, or in reverse order of lockout
- Verifying that everything is in order and that the area is safe
- Restoring power or fluids to the installation
- Partial de-lockout to perform tests and, if unsuccessful, re-locking the installation to continue the intervention
Specificities of Lockout
Lockout is considered single-step if the Lockout Supervisor carries out all stages. It is considered two-step if the Work Supervisor performs the signaling and verification steps.
When the same person performs both the lockout and the work, the lockout certificate is not required.
