Affected Employees In A Lockout Tagout Are Those Who

What Are Affected Employees?

Affected employees are those who are affected by the work of repairing, maintaining, or adjusting equipment or machinery. They are not the technicians directly involved in lockout/tagout operations in the Lockout/Tagout Program (LOTO), but their workflow and environment are altered by these operations. Affected employees must understand the fundamentals of the lockout/tagout procedure, know when and why equipment lockouts are performed, and be explicitly prohibited from attempting to reboot or operate equipment while it is locked out. This training and communication is a critical step in ensuring that all employees work safely and efficiently during equipment maintenance. Companies should provide regular training to affected employees to ensure their safety awareness and compliance with procedures.

Source: Braun Intertec

Lockout/Tagout Procedure: What Is an Affected Employee?

The Lockout/Tagout procedure is a safety protocol designed to protect workers from hazardous energy releases while servicing and maintaining machinery and equipment. This procedure involves two primary categories of employees: authorized employees and affected employees.

• Authorized Employees: These are individuals who have received specialized training to perform lockout/tagout procedures. They are responsible for applying and removing lockout/tagout devices and ensuring that the machinery is safe to work on.
• Affected Employees: These are employees who operate or use the machinery or equipment that is being serviced. They do not perform the lockout/tagout tasks themselves but need to understand the procedure and the importance of not attempting to restart or use the equipment while it is locked out.

How to Train Affected Employees in Lockout/Tagout?

Training affected employees is crucial to maintaining workplace safety during the lockout/tagout process. Here are the steps to effectively train affected employees:

1. Explain the Purpose of LOTO: Begin by explaining why the lockout/tagout procedure is essential. Emphasize the importance of preventing accidents and injuries caused by the unexpected release of hazardous energy.
2. Identify Hazardous Energy Sources: Educate employees about different types of hazardous energy, including electrical, mechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic, chemical, and thermal energy.
3. Overview of LOTO Devices: Show the various lockout and tagout devices used to isolate energy sources. Explain how these devices work and why they are necessary.
4. Recognize Lockout/Tagout Devices: Train employees to recognize LOTO devices and understand their significance. Highlight that these devices indicate that equipment is not safe to use.
5. Understand Employee Roles: Clarify the roles of affected employees versus authorized employees. Affected employees need to understand that they should never attempt to remove LOTO devices or restart equipment under lockout/tagout.
6. Communication Procedures: Teach effective communication protocols. Affected employees should know whom to contact if they have questions or encounter issues with locked-out equipment.
7. Emergency Procedures: Outline emergency procedures in case an affected employee inadvertently attempts to operate locked-out machinery. Ensure they know how to respond safely.
8. Hands-On Training: Provide practical, hands-on training sessions where affected employees can see lockout/tagout devices in use and understand the procedure in a real-world context.
9. Review and Assess Understanding: Regularly review the LOTO procedures with affected employees and assess their understanding. Conduct refresher training sessions to reinforce knowledge.

Authorized Employees vs. Affected Employees

Understanding the distinction between authorized and affected employees is vital for effective LOTO procedures:

• Authorized Employees: These employees have received comprehensive training on the LOTO procedure, including how to apply and remove lockout/tagout devices, identify energy sources, and verify that equipment is de-energized. They are responsible for implementing the LOTO procedure.
• Affected Employees: While affected employees do not perform the LOTO procedure, their role is equally important. They need to recognize LOTO devices and understand the importance of not tampering with them. They must be aware of the potential hazards associated with re-energizing equipment and know how to report any concerns.

FAQs

Q1: Why is it important for affected employees to be trained in LOTO procedures?

A1: Training affected employees is crucial to prevent accidental injuries and fatalities. Proper training ensures that affected employees understand the significance of lockout/tagout devices and do not inadvertently attempt to use equipment under maintenance.

Q2: How often should affected employees receive LOTO training?

A2: Affected employees should receive initial training upon hire and periodic refresher training. Additionally, retraining is necessary whenever there are changes in job assignments, machinery, equipment, or processes that present a new hazard.

Q3: What should an affected employee do if they notice a lockout/tagout device has been removed?

A3: If an affected employee notices that a lockout/tagout device has been removed, they should immediately report it to their supervisor or the authorized employee responsible for the procedure. They should never attempt to use the equipment until it has been verified as safe.

Q4: Can an affected employee become an authorized employee?

A4: Yes, an affected employee can become an authorized employee by receiving the necessary training and certification. This includes comprehensive instruction on lockout/tagout procedures, identifying hazardous energy sources, and proper use of LOTO devices.

Q5: What are the consequences of not training affected employees in LOTO procedures?

A5: Failing to train affected employees can lead to severe consequences, including workplace accidents, injuries, and fatalities. It can also result in legal liabilities, regulatory fines, and a damaged reputation for the organization.

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