I will probably catch a lot of flack for repeating this (as I have this debate at least annually), as very few agree with me, but it needs to be repeated!
The use of a Lockout Hasp, the device shown to the left, is NOT associated with the phrase "group lockout."
And yes, I am well aware of how these devices are marketed and sold, and yes, when they are used, they allow multiple people to lockout on an isolation device; however, OSHA's and ANSI's definition of "group lockout" are very clear:
OSHA, 1910.147 states:
| 1910.147(f)(3)(i)
When servicing and/or maintenance is performed by a crew, craft, department, or other group, they shall utilize a procedure that affords the employees a level of protection equivalent to that provided by the implementation of a personal lockout or tagout device. |
ANSI Z244.1 states:
|
3.13 Group Lockout A procedure that provides equal protection for multiple users working on the same de-energized system. ... 7.10 Group Lockout When multiple hazardous energy-isolating devices protecting the affected work activity are secured by lockout, but are not applied directly by each authorized person, an authorized person shall be designated to control the hazardous energy. The group lockout shall work in accordance with an equipment specific hazardous energy isolation and de-energization procedure and shall be responsible for lockout of each hazardous energy-isolating device. The group lockout shall provide a single location or device (e.g., lockbox) that allows each member of the group to apply their personal lock. Verification shall take place before potential exposure to hazardous energy occurs to determine the effectiveness of the hazardous energy isolation and de-energization. |
So, to be technically correct, when each authorized worker places their personal lockout lock(s) onto each energy isolation device using a Hasp, that is just a good old-fashioned personal lockout, even though it may be a "group of workers" having done the same thing (e.g., placing a personal lockout lock on each isolation device).
To be an actual "group lockout," there will be ONLY a single lockout lock on each energy isolation device. The key(s) to these lock(s) will be placed into a single lockbox, where each authorized worker will put a personal lockout lock. This is what OSHA means when it says, "shall utilize a procedure that affords the employees a level of protection EQUIVALENT TO THAT PROVIDED BY THE IMPLEMENTATION OF A PERSONAL LOCKOUT OR TAGOUT DEVICE."
In other words, if you and I place our personal lockout locks on each energy isolation device, that is just you and I doing "personal lockout" together, even though some would refer to us as a "group." If someone else were to work alongside us, and they, too, placed their personal lockout locks on each energy isolation device, they too would be performing "personal lockout." We are NOT doing "group lockout" - this is just a good old-fashioned personal lockout by each authorized worker, as every worker has exclusive control of every isolation device by placing their personal lockout locks on each energy isolation device.
A lockout becomes a "Group Lockout" when only a single lockout lock is placed on EACH lockout device/energy isolation device, and the key(s) to these locks go into a "group lockout" device such as a lockbox. ANSI said it best... "When multiple hazardous energy-isolating devices protecting the affected work activity are secured by lockout, BUT ARE NOT APPLIED DIRECTLY BY EACH AUTHORIZED PERSON...".
So, bottom line, if every authorized worker has placed a personal lockout lock(s) on each energy isolation device, this is just good old fashion "personal lockout"; it is NOT a "group lockout" in the pure definition of what OSHA and ANSI intended by their definitions.
SAFTENG Members can refer to my 2013 article Clearing up a couple of LOTO myths
