Employees who service or maintain machines or equipment may be at risk due to the sudden start-up or release of stored energy from this equipment. The Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA) has issued a lockout/tagout standard known as the Control of Hazardous Energy Sources Standard, to protect workers.
The basis of this standard is a systemized approach to servicing or maintaining certain equipment. The University has developed a written program, detailing procedures for disabling energy sources, obtaining lockout/tagout devices and training of workers.
Audits of the lockout/tagout program are conducted on an annual basis by supervisors to ensure safe procedures are being followed.