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RoboticsLockout/Tagout: The Sequence
Twenty flashcards on the federal order of steps to lock out a robot cell and to bring it back to service.
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20 cards
- What is the first step of the federal lockout sequence, before anything is turned off?
- Preparation: the authorized employee learns the type and magnitude of the energy, its hazards and how to control it.
- What is step two of the sequence?
- Shut the machine down with its established procedure, in an orderly way that adds no new hazard.
- What comes right after the shutdown?
- Isolation: find and operate every energy isolating device so the machine is cut off from all its energy sources.
- Who attaches the locks or tags, and where?
- Authorized employees, on each energy isolating device.
- In what position must a lock hold the energy isolating device?
- In the "safe" or "off" position.
- Which step comes right after the locks and tags are on?
- Make stored or residual energy safe: relieve, disconnect or restrain it.
- Give examples of stored energy from OSHA's sample lockout procedure.
- Capacitors, springs, raised machine parts, flywheels, hydraulic systems, and air, gas, steam or water pressure.
- What if stored energy could build back up to a hazardous level?
- Keep verifying isolation until the work ends or the risk of buildup is gone.
- What is the last step before the work starts?
- The authorized employee verifies that the machine is isolated and deenergized.
- How does OSHA's sample procedure verify isolation?
- First check that nobody is exposed, then try the normal start controls or test that the machine will not run.
- After the start test, where do the controls go?
- Back to neutral or "off".
- Who is notified about the lockout, and when?
- Affected employees: before the controls are applied and after they are removed.
- Before removing locks, what is checked on the machine?
- That nonessential items are out of the work area and the machine's parts are operationally intact.
- Before removing locks, what is checked about people?
- That every employee is safely positioned or out of the area.
- Who removes each lock or tag?
- The same employee who put it on.
- If that employee is not at the facility, what must the employer's special removal procedure include?
- Verify they are not on site, make every reasonable effort to reach them, and make sure they know before they resume work.
- When are affected employees told the locks are off?
- After the devices are removed and before the machine is started.
- What is the final step of OSHA's sample procedure for restoring equipment?
- Tell affected employees the work is done and the machine is ready for use.
- Can removing blocking ever require turning the power back on?
- Yes. OSHA's sample procedure notes some blocking can only be removed safely after the machine is reenergized.
- How many steps does OSHA's lockout booklet list before service work begins?
- Six, in order: prepare, shut down, isolate, apply locks or tags, make stored energy safe, verify.
Official sources
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), via GovInfo (GPO)
29 CFR 1910.147: The control of hazardous energy (lockout/tagout) (CFR 2025 edition)
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
Control of Hazardous Energy (Lockout/Tagout), OSHA 3120
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