Lockout/Tagout Control of Hazardous Energy

The UNH Control of Hazardous Energy (Lockout/Tagout) program establishes the minimum requirements for controlling energy-isolating devices to prevent the unexpected release of hazardous energy during equipment servicing or maintenance activities.  The Lockout/Tagout procedures outlined in this program are based on the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) General Industry Standard 29 CFR 1910.147, the Control of Hazardous Energy and must be adhered to when it is necessary to work on any equipment or machinery that could release any form of hazardous energy.

What is Lockout/Tagout

Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) refers to the procedures necessary to protect employees from all hazardous energy sources during the maintenance and servicing of equipment.  Lockout consists of the placement of a locking device on an energy isolating device to ensure that equipment cannot be operated during servicing or maintenance activities.  Tagout consists of the fastening of a tag to an energy isolating device to indicate that the equipment being controlled may not be operated until the tagout device is removed.  Hazardous energy sources that must be identified and controlled while conducting servicing or maintenance activities include, but are not limited to:

  • Electrical;
  • Hydraulic;
  • Pneumatic;
  • Mechanical;
  • Gravitational;
  • Thermal;
  • Chemical;
  • Fluids and gasses;
  • Water under pressure; and/or
  • Steam

Support from OEHS

The Office of Environmental Health and Safety is available to provide technical support to those covered by the Control of Hazardous Energy (Lockout/Tagout) program to include:

  • Developing equipment specific LOTO procedures;
  • Field reviews of LOTO procedures;
  • Training for Principal Authorized, Authorized, and Affected Employees; and
  • Program reviews and audits

Additional Resources

UNH Lockout/Tagout Program

Emergency Lock Removal Form

LOTO Affected Employee Pamphlet

OSHA LOTO Factsheet

 

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Contact Information

Brian Cournoyer, Occupational Health and Safety Manager
Phone: (603) 862-4761
Email: brian.cournoyer@unh.edu

Matthew Smith, Occupational Health and Safety Coordinator
Phone: (603) 862-4266
Email: matthew.smith@unh.edu