Posted By Merv Newman Chrissie, Can't point you to any specific document, but - Essentials of a lock out procedure are 1. Lock off. 2. Tag it. 3. Clear. 4. Try. Lock out implies neutralising or blocking ALL possible sources of supplied or stored energy. Electrical, hydraulic, pneumatique, springs, gravity. And/or entry of hazardous materials such as solids, liquids or gases. In the simplest case, electrical power to a machine, the main power switch must be capable of being padlocked in the "off" position. So, 1. The intervenant will switch off the power and padlock the switch. If there is more than one intervenant then EACH person will place his PERSONAL lock on each lock out point. Lock out padlocks are strictly personal. "owened" by the employee and the SINGLE key is retained by that person. Duplicate keys are NOT allowed. Actually, I have found that the use of combination padlocks simplifies a lot of things. The "owner" sets their own combination. 2. Tag. A luggage type label with time, date, name and reason for the lock out. 3. Clear. Because the following step is "Try" you need to be sure that nothing goes wrong if you have screwed up the lock out step. Clear everyone and everything away so that if, despite your lock out the thing DOES start up, no injury or damage will result. 4. Try. Now Try to start the equipment or machine. If it starts, then you have screwed up and need to think again. If it doesn't start then you have probably got it right and can proceed. So, Lock, Tag, Clear and Try. There are lots of complicating factors, depending on the complexity of what you want to lock out and how many people are involved. On a chemical plant down for maintenance there may be scores of people involved and scores of lock out points. Then you go to the "lock out box" system. Explanation on request. But if you are in the chemical industry you already know about that. Last year I visited a car construction site. They have lots and lots of robots (800 ?). They had gone over to a "plastic clip" lock out system. I had to scream and shout and roll on the floor kicking my heels (slight exageration) before I could get senior management to see it my way. Fortunately a sister plant had gone the combination padlock route and we were able to get them to see sense. Another good idea is to have a central (or departmental) lock out stand. Locks and multi locks are hung up and easily available and a registry of lock outs. Sign in and sign out so that supervision knows what lock outs are currently in place and who is responsible. Yet another good idea is to prepare a "lock out plan" for each item of equipment. A sketch or photo of the machine highlighting the lock out points. I could go on for hours. And frequently do. Send me an e-mail (click on RED name above) if I can offer you more help. Merv