10 Essential Tools for a Successful Lockout Program

Most of these accidents could have been avoided by the application of proper prevention measures, such as the implementation of a lockout program.

In addition to being an obligation of the standard CSA Z460-13, the drafting of a lockout program helps keep track of the procedures to follow when it comes to lockout. Furthermore, it helps structure the procedure and facilitates the communication of instructions and internal regulations to workers and employees. To achieve this, discover the 10 essential tools for a successful lockout program.

1. Lockout Procedure

An essential part of the lockout program, the lockout procedure is based on a risk analysis in which duly trained personnel participate. Afterwards, the procedure is validated to ensure its efficiency before being approved by a representative of the employer, and is made available to the workers for reference at any time. Therefore, this is not a rushed document, but instead a reliable reference tool in which the content is not left to chance.

What to Remember :

• It is mandatory to have procedures and make them accessible.
• The procedure directs workers on the lockout method to be used.
• It identifies risks and protection means.
• Helps avoid unnecessary loss of time and make the intervention more efficient; Take the time to adequately define the model and how to use it (with or without signature, Pictures? Format? Management software or Word? Etc.).

2. Risk Analysis Grid

As previously mentioned, the lockout procedure is the outcome of the risk analysis. The analysis grid is an efficient tool to simplify and structure this analysis.

What to Remember :

• Helps organize and facilitate the risk analysis and the creation of lockout procedures.
• Helps structure notes.
• Helps standardize the records and procedures, and comply with established standards.
• Helps be efficient in the field and lose as little time as possible during the analysis.

Download the SPI Health and Safety risk analysis grid here

3. Registry of Loaned Padlocks

A registry of loaned padlocks is mandatory prior to loaning a personal padlock to a worker or subcontractor on a temporary basis and must at least contain the name and contact information of the worker, the date and time of the loan and return, and the padlock number. If for a subcontractor, add the name and contact information of the employer.

4. Padlocks Removal Form

A padlocks removal form is mandatory to remove a padlock forgotten by a worker. It is also a reminder of the approach to apply. Once filled out and signed, this document must be kept by the employer for at least one year.

5. Personal Padlocks

Mandatory according to the standard CAN/CSA Z460-13, it is mandatory for workers to have their own personal padlocks and it must be identified to its owner.

6. Energy Padlock

The energy padlock allows streamlined lockout when there are several types of energy sources or many workers. You must install an energy padlock on energy sources that need to be locked out. The key of the padlocks must be put in the lockout station, and each worker installs his personal padlock. You might have a series of several padlocks with one key for the entire series. Using this type of padlock is a best practice.

7. Department Padlock

A department padlock helps appropriately manage the following situations: shift changes, work over several days, condemn or winterize equipment, etc. This padlock can be installed on the lockout station or directly on the equipment and the key must be managed by the person responsible for the lockout or the supervisor on shift.

8. Stations, Lockout Box and Accessories

Stations and lockout boxes allow a better organization of the lockout material and can be centralized or decentralized in the workplace to allow quick access to accessories, as well as be mobile or fixed according to the needs. The hasp (or multiple clips) allows multiple workers to lock themselves up at the same time (allows the installation of several padlocks). Accessories are essential to lockout a valve or any other device that would not be possible to lockout any other way.

9. Work Tags

Work tags allow the follow-up of the ongoing work and helps forwarding certain information (for example, if the procedure must be modified or updated) and lets you know who is responsible for the lockout and make work more efficient.

10: Procedure Management Software

A procedure management software allows a better management of procedures and follow-up of the project. It reduces the loss of time related to the formatting of Word or Excel procedures, allows the follow-up of versions and maintain standardization. Finally, a procedure management software allows to maintain and control access to procedures.

Still looking for your software? Actions Préventives from SPI Health and Safety is the perfect solution to manage your lockout challenges:

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