Lockout Tagout Authorized vs Affected Employee
36 flashcards covering Lockout Tagout Authorized vs Affected Employee for the OSHA Lockout / Tagout section.
Lockout Tagout (LOTO) procedures are critical for ensuring worker safety during maintenance and servicing of machinery and equipment. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) outlines the distinctions between "authorized" and "affected" employees in its standards, specifically under 29 CFR 1910.147. Authorized employees are those who lock out or tag out machines while affected employees are those who operate or work in the vicinity of the equipment being serviced. Understanding these roles is essential for compliance and safety in both construction and general industry settings.
In practice exams and competency assessments, questions often focus on identifying the responsibilities and rights of authorized versus affected employees. Common traps include confusing the two roles or underestimating the importance of proper training and communication. It's vital to recognize that even affected employees must be aware of LOTO procedures to ensure their safety. A common oversight is failing to ensure that affected employees know how to recognize lockout/tagout devices and understand their significance in preventing accidental machine startups.
Terms (36)
- 01
What is the definition of an authorized employee in Lockout/Tagout procedures?
An authorized employee is a person who is designated by the employer to perform lockout or tagout procedures on machines or equipment. This designation is based on the employee's knowledge, skills, and training (29 CFR 1910.147).
- 02
What is the role of an affected employee in Lockout/Tagout?
An affected employee is someone who operates or uses a machine or equipment that is being locked out or tagged out. They are not authorized to perform lockout/tagout but must be informed of the procedures (29 CFR 1910.147).
- 03
Under 29 CFR 1910.147, how must authorized employees be trained?
Authorized employees must receive training that includes the recognition of hazardous energy sources, the type and magnitude of energy available, and the means to control the energy (29 CFR 1910.147(c)(7)).
- 04
How often must Lockout/Tagout procedures be reviewed and evaluated?
Lockout/Tagout procedures must be reviewed at least annually to ensure they are effective and that employees are following them (29 CFR 1910.147(c)(6)).
- 05
What is required of affected employees regarding Lockout/Tagout awareness?
Affected employees must be instructed about the purpose and use of the energy control procedures, ensuring they understand the importance of not tampering with lockout/tagout devices (29 CFR 1910.147(c)(7)).
- 06
When must Lockout/Tagout procedures be implemented?
Lockout/Tagout procedures must be implemented whenever maintenance or servicing is performed on machines or equipment where unexpected energization or release of stored energy could occur (29 CFR 1910.147(a)(1)).
- 07
What distinguishes an authorized employee from an affected employee?
An authorized employee is trained and permitted to perform lockout/tagout, while an affected employee is not authorized to perform these actions but may be impacted by them (29 CFR 1910.147).
- 08
What must an employer do to ensure effective Lockout/Tagout training?
Employers must provide training to both authorized and affected employees, ensuring that authorized employees can apply the procedures and affected employees understand their role and the hazards (29 CFR 1910.147(c)(7)).
- 09
What is the first step an authorized employee must take when preparing to lockout a machine?
The first step is to notify all affected employees that the machine will be locked out for maintenance or servicing (29 CFR 1910.147(d)(1)).
- 10
What should an affected employee do if they see a lockout/tagout device on a machine?
An affected employee should not attempt to remove or tamper with the lockout/tagout device and should notify an authorized employee if they see such a device (29 CFR 1910.147).
- 11
Under what circumstances can an authorized employee remove a lockout/tagout device?
An authorized employee may remove a lockout/tagout device only when they have verified that the machine or equipment is safe to operate and that all affected employees have been notified (29 CFR 1910.147(d)(5)).
- 12
What must be done if an authorized employee leaves the workplace during a lockout?
If an authorized employee leaves the workplace, the lockout/tagout must remain in place until they return or another authorized employee takes over the responsibility (29 CFR 1910.147(d)(3)).
- 13
What is the maximum time allowed for an authorized employee to leave a lockout/tagout situation?
There is no specific maximum time defined in the regulations; however, the lockout/tagout must remain in effect until the work is completed or another authorized employee takes over (29 CFR 1910.147).
- 14
What is the purpose of Lockout/Tagout procedures?
The purpose of Lockout/Tagout procedures is to protect employees from the unexpected energization or startup of machines and equipment, or the release of stored energy during maintenance (29 CFR 1910.147).
- 15
How should Lockout/Tagout devices be marked?
Lockout/tagout devices must be clearly marked to indicate the identity of the authorized employee who applied the device and the reason for the lockout/tagout (29 CFR 1910.147(c)(5)).
- 16
What must an employer do to ensure compliance with Lockout/Tagout regulations?
Employers must establish a written Lockout/Tagout program that includes procedures, training, and audits to ensure compliance with the regulations (29 CFR 1910.147).
- 17
What is the significance of the term 'affected employee' in Lockout/Tagout?
The term 'affected employee' signifies those who operate or use the equipment being serviced, ensuring they are aware of the lockout/tagout procedures and the associated hazards (29 CFR 1910.147).
- 18
What must an authorized employee do before starting maintenance on a machine?
An authorized employee must ensure that the machine is properly locked out and that all energy sources have been isolated before starting maintenance (29 CFR 1910.147(d)(1)).
- 19
What is required if a lockout/tagout device is removed improperly?
If a lockout/tagout device is removed improperly, it must be reported immediately, and the employer must investigate the incident to prevent future occurrences (29 CFR 1910.147(d)(5)).
- 20
What training is required for affected employees regarding Lockout/Tagout?
Affected employees must receive training on the purpose of lockout/tagout procedures and the importance of not tampering with lockout devices (29 CFR 1910.147(c)(7)).
- 21
What must be done if a machine cannot be locked out?
If a machine cannot be locked out, alternative safety measures must be implemented, such as using a tagout system and ensuring that all affected employees are notified (29 CFR 1910.147(a)(2)).
- 22
How should Lockout/Tagout procedures be communicated to affected employees?
Lockout/Tagout procedures should be communicated through training sessions, safety meetings, and written documentation accessible to all affected employees (29 CFR 1910.147(c)(7)).
- 23
What is the responsibility of an authorized employee regarding energy control procedures?
An authorized employee is responsible for implementing energy control procedures to ensure that machines are properly locked out during maintenance (29 CFR 1910.147(d)).
- 24
What is the purpose of training authorized employees on Lockout/Tagout?
The purpose of training authorized employees is to equip them with the knowledge and skills necessary to safely perform lockout/tagout procedures and manage hazardous energy (29 CFR 1910.147(c)(7)).
- 25
What is the key difference between lockout and tagout?
Lockout involves physically preventing the operation of a machine, while tagout uses a warning tag to indicate that the machine should not be operated, often used when lockout is not feasible (29 CFR 1910.147).
- 26
What must authorized employees do after completing maintenance on a locked-out machine?
After completing maintenance, authorized employees must ensure that all tools are removed, all guards are reinstalled, and then follow the proper procedure to remove the lockout/tagout devices (29 CFR 1910.147(d)(5)).
- 27
What is a common misconception about affected employees in Lockout/Tagout situations?
A common misconception is that affected employees can remove lockout/tagout devices; in reality, only authorized employees are permitted to do so (29 CFR 1910.147).
- 28
What should an employer do if an affected employee does not understand Lockout/Tagout procedures?
The employer must provide additional training and resources to ensure that affected employees fully understand Lockout/Tagout procedures and their importance (29 CFR 1910.147(c)(7)).
- 29
How should Lockout/Tagout devices be stored when not in use?
Lockout/tagout devices should be stored in a designated location that is secure and accessible only to authorized employees (29 CFR 1910.147(c)(5)).
- 30
What is the role of the employer in Lockout/Tagout compliance?
The employer is responsible for establishing and enforcing Lockout/Tagout procedures, providing training, and ensuring that all employees understand their roles (29 CFR 1910.147(a)).
- 31
What is the significance of the term 'lockout' in Lockout/Tagout?
The term 'lockout' signifies the use of a lock to secure an energy-isolating device, preventing the machine from being operated during maintenance (29 CFR 1910.147).
- 32
What must be done if an authorized employee is not available to remove a lockout/tagout device?
If an authorized employee is not available, the lockout/tagout device must remain in place until the authorized employee returns or another authorized employee can take responsibility (29 CFR 1910.147(d)(3)).
- 33
What is the primary goal of Lockout/Tagout procedures?
The primary goal of Lockout/Tagout procedures is to ensure the safety of employees by preventing accidental machine start-up and the release of hazardous energy during servicing (29 CFR 1910.147).
- 34
What should be included in a Lockout/Tagout program?
A Lockout/Tagout program should include written procedures, employee training, and regular audits to ensure compliance and effectiveness (29 CFR 1910.147).
- 35
How can employers ensure affected employees are aware of Lockout/Tagout procedures?
Employers can ensure awareness by providing training sessions, safety briefings, and clear signage in work areas regarding Lockout/Tagout procedures (29 CFR 1910.147(c)(7)).
- 36
What is the impact of not following Lockout/Tagout procedures?
Not following Lockout/Tagout procedures can lead to serious injuries or fatalities due to accidental machine start-up or the release of hazardous energy (29 CFR 1910.147).