An important part of any lock out tag out procedure is to ensure that equipment is not accidentally re-energised during repair, maintenance or cleaning processes, which could result in injury or even fatality. This can be done by ensuring that stored energy has been safely isolated, the equipment is locked with the correct device, and that thorough tests take place before any work is carried out.

Another important consideration is to make sure that someone does not accidentally remove a lock out device resulting in the start up of equipment. A way to ensure this does not happen is to adhere to the one man one lock procedure.

What is One Man One Lock

The premise of one man one lock is that each individual is responsible for their own lock, and is the only person with a key to remove it. This ensures that padlocks which have been attributed to lockout devices cannot be removed by anyone else.

Personalisation

Adding another level of identification to the lockout procedure with personalised padlocks is an excellent way to ensure other workers are aware of who has applied the lock. This personalisation paired with lockout tags which include names and photographs, removes any anonymity and leads workers to use equipment both carefully and responsibly. 

Group Lockout

Modern equipment will sometimes require more than one person to take part in the process of maintenance, repair or cleaning.  During these situations group lock out procedures may take place, and in such a circumstances ‘one man one lock’ may be replaced with ‘last man last lock’.

This is the process whereby the first person to apply their lock should be the last to remove it. This person should be in charge of ensuring safe lock out and re-energisation takes place.

Contractors

It is common that contractors and outsourced cleaners will come in to contact with equipment and machinery, it is therefore important that they are fully trained in lock out tag out procedures and also adhere to one man one lock.

By supplying separate locks, which are signed out by the contractor, allows one man one lock to take place on a temporary basis. It is important that this is conducted in a controlled manner whereby the locks are signed in and out to prevent loss, and temporary tags are also provided which can be filled out with the contractors details.

One man one lock is a factor which should be considered as part of any lockout procedure to greatly reduce the likelihood of accidents occurring. The added level of identification and accountability attributed to the locks ensure employees and contractors are more considered when using equipment and that shortcuts in safety procedures are not taken.

Visit Website: www.reecesafety.co.uk