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RoboticsIsolating the robot from every energy source
The robot is stopped. Now you find every energy isolating device that feeds it and operate each one, so the robot is physically cut off from its energy sources. A breaker, a disconnect switch, a line valve or a block isolates; a push button does not. It is the isolation step of the federal lockout/tagout sequence.
Free to startScenarios
- The robot cell is fed by electrical power only.
- The robot also has pneumatic or hydraulic lines with their own valves.
- A new robot is being installed in the cell.
The steps
- List every energy source of the robot: electrical, mechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic, chemical, thermal or other.
- Physically locate every energy isolating device needed to control that energy.
- Operate each device so the robot is isolated from its energy sources: open the breaker or disconnect switch, close the line valve, put in the block.
- Do not count push buttons, selector switches or other control circuit devices as isolation.
- Leave the robot isolated from its energy and rendered inoperative before any servicing starts.
Safety rules that stop the station
- An energy isolating device physically prevents the transmission or release of energy; a control circuit device does not.
- Every isolating device needed to control the energy is operated, not just the main one.
To pass
- Every energy source was found and every isolating device needed was operated.
- An isolating device can be locked out if it has a hasp or a built-in locking mechanism, or can take a lock without being dismantled, rebuilt or replaced.
- When a machine is installed, replaced or has a major repair, renovation or modification, its energy isolating devices must be designed to accept a lockout device.
Official source
Federal · OSHA, 29 CFR 1910.147(d)(3)
29 CFR 1910.147, The control of hazardous energy (lockout/tagout)
GovInfo publishes 29 CFR 1910.147 free: paragraph (d)(3) and the definitions say which devices isolate energy and that every one needed must be operated.
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