Policy Statement
This policy is intended to protect all employees from injuries resulting from:
- the unexpected or accidental energizing or start-up, or shut down of machines and equipment, inclusive of electrical panels, and
- the release of stored energy or materials when working with equipment during service, repair, maintenance, or any operating activities.
This policy and its associated guidelines provide direction for the development of effective lockout/tagout programs to prevent such injuries.
Application
This policy applies to all employees of the City of Toronto, and all contractors and their sub-contractors working for the City.
Definitions
Competent Person
As defined under the OHSA as a person who :
- is qualified because of knowledge, training and experience to organize the work and its performance,
- is familiar with the Act and the regulations that apply to the work, and
- has knowledge of any potential or actual danger to health or safety in the workplace
Control Device
Means a device that physically isolates equipment from its energy source, and can be secured, locked or isolated in the “off” or closed position (e.g. keyed locks, lockout bars, braces, line blanks, line caps, electrical disconnect switches, programmable logic controllers, blocks).
De-energize
A process, in accordance with divisional SOPs, that is used to disconnect and isolate machinery or equipment from an energy source to prevent the release of that energy.
Equipment
Includes but is not limited to machinery, electrical panels, devices, stationary tools, vessels, pipes, tanks, and vehicles.
Energy source
Includes but is not limited to electrical, pneumatic, hydraulic, chemical, gravity, thermal, steam, tension, momentum, spring pressure, head pressure and line pressure (fluid/gas).
Lock
Means a keyed lock.
Lockout
Means disengaging all energy sources from equipment, safely releasing stored energy or materials, and securing the control device(s) in the “off” position with an approved lock, thereby rendering it incapable of operation, release or movement.
Lockout Permit
Documentation that grants permission through a process allowing for lockout/tagout procedures to be performed ( e.g. work order, shut down request form)
Tag
Means an approved/durable label that is made of non-conductive material, which provides information about the purpose of locking the equipment out, and particulars such as whose lock it is, contact information and the date/time.
Test
means attempting to energize and/or operate equipment, following the implementation of a complete lockout to ensure the energy source has been locked out.
Responsibilities
Divisions shall:
- establish a process for evaluating work operations, machinery and equipment to determine where lockout/tagout procedures, devices and training are needed
- develop and maintain a written lockout/tagout program that includes a lockout permit system
- develop and maintain specific lockout/tagout-related safe working procedures, where necessary, in compliance with occupational health and safety legislation, this policy and associated guidelines
- ensure all existing equipment and machinery has the capability for lockout, de-energizing or isolation from all sources of energy, including stored energy or materials
- provide and maintain necessary equipment to enable lockout/tagout of equipment or machinery, where necessary
- ensure that new equipment or machinery is designed and installed in a manner that provides the capability for lockout, de-energizing or isolation from all sources of energy, including stored energy or materials
- ensure that Supervisors are Competent Persons as per the OHSA, including Lockout/Tagout competency
- provide general and specific training to workers who work on machinery or equipment under conditions requiring lockout/tagout provisions
- ensure that work is performed in compliance with the Occupational Health and Safety Act and applicable regulations and industry standards
- Communicate with other divisions where a lockout would impact the use of shared equipment or machinery
- Ensure that a lockout does not continue for an unreasonable period of time without action being taken for a resolution (e.g. replacement or disposal of equipment)
- conduct periodic audits of the lockout/tagout program and recommend changes, as needed
Supervisory staff shall:
- be familiar with all aspects of the divisional lockout/tagout program
- evaluate work operations, machinery and equipment to determine where lockout/tagout procedures, devices and training are needed
- ensure that the requirements of the program and related elements of the Occupational Health and Safety Act and regulations, and applicable industry standards, are applied at all times
- ensure that all employees under their supervision who work on machinery or equipment are competent to do assigned work, are provided with written instructions and training (where required), and are issued an approved lockout permit
- conduct appropriate inspections to ensure procedures are followed and, when violations are found, take appropriate action
- maintain a record or training and a list of equipment or locations with specific lockout/tagout procedures
Workers shall:
- attend lockout/tagout training and apply knowledge acquired through training in the performance of their work
- acquire permission to work on equipment by way of a lockout permit
- use lockout/tagout devices provided as specified in the procedures
People & Equity, Occupational Health and Safety staff shall:
- assist in the evaluation of machines and equipment, as necessary, to determine the need for lockout/tagout procedures and devices
- provide assistance in the development of lockout/tagout programs
- provide assistance in the development and delivery of lockout/tagout training
- assist divisions with periodic audits lockout/tagout programs and recommend changes, as needed
Joint health and safety committees are responsible for:
- make recommendations for development of, or improvements to existing, lockout/tagout procedures, as needed
- Review completed audits and making recommendations as necessary
Authority
The Occupational Health and Safety Act (R.S.O. 1990, c.0.1)
Regulations for Industrial Establishments made under the Occupational Health & Safety Act (O.Reg. 851)
Regulations for Construction Projects made under the Occupational Health & Safety Act (O.Reg. 213/91)
Regulations for Health Care & Residential Facilities made under the Occupational Health & Safety Act (O.Reg. 67/93)
Endorsed by
Occupational Health and Safety Coordinating Committee (OHSCC),
September 26, 2000
Approved by
City of Toronto Senior Management Team (SMT)
Date Approved
October 20, 2000
Reviewed by OHSCC
September 29, 2015
December 6, 2023
Related information
Lockout/Tagout Program Guidelines
