Troubleshooting Equipment Safely
Hi Safety Knights. This is my first post!
We are in the middle of updating our LOTO program at my company. One thing we would like to improve are safety protections for employees during troubleshooting activities.
It's one thing to read what the standards say (29 CFR 1910.147(f)(1), but we are interested in things different companies have successfully done to practically protect people when equipment has to be energized for testing/positioning/troubleshooting. What have you actually got employees to do and participate in? How are you asking your employees to apply principles in the OSHA and other standards?
Comments (5)
Both OSHA and NFPA 70E allow employees to troubleshoot with the system energized if it needs to be in that condition. The main thing is making sure they are taking all other precautions, such as wearing the right PPE, alerting others in the area that the equipment may be running, etc.
We actually just went through and updated our Electrical Safety Program to the new edition of NFPA 70E. It took forever, but it was totally worth it - NFPA 70E covers stuff like this. Might be worth reaching out to a consultant to help you build one
Oh man do not get me started! I agree with what Drew and David are saying BUT!
My background is all in Manufacturing, over 50 years! I have seen all to many amputations and serious burns, almost every single one due to one failure!. LOCKOUT!!! Most of those were electricians and machine repairman who thought they did not need to Lockout, many because they were troubleshooting!
Lets get one things straight from the get go! I use to manage WC claims at a large self insured company as well as OHS and HR. If someone has an amputation. lets say a hand, that is going to cost someone $500,000 minimum. If we are talking serious burns , we are talking real big money, millions! That is a fact!
Second as a former OPs (MFG) Manager, skilled trades has saved my butt more times than I can ever thank! Most are hard working very smart professionals! Smatter than me most times! Sometimes they do have to trouble shoot and might not be able to Lockout. All I ask as a manager who is responsible for my workers safety, that I have input in that decision! So in my Lockout Procedures EVERYONE MUST LOCKOUT PERIOD WHEN THEY ARE IN DANGER, no if ands or buts!
Now if you really think as a skilled trades person that you cannot Lockout, you MUST complete a Hazard Work Permit (or an Energized Work Permit) tell me why you cannot lock out, and most importantly how you are going to stay safe at all times! Then I must decide and approve it is is worth the risk of hundreds of thousands or millions of dollars of the company's resources!
When I talk to employees I tell them that I think it is worth the time to keep you safe (5-10 minutes at most). I also ask, "Does anyone here have the right to risk hundreds of thousands of dollars on their own? I think NOT!"
In my last corporation the Plant Manager had to approver all Energized Work Permits even for trouble shooting! Not doing so meant termination!
In my opinion with Lockout, especially Lockout, YOU MSUT BE ALL IN!