Five Questions You Must Ask Your Lockout Tagout Consultant

While a huge percentage of companies believe that lockout tagout procedures apply to certain situations only, the reality proves otherwise. Efficient control of hazardous energy is essential for the safety of the workers as well as the success of a business.

When you choose to implement a successful lockout energy control program, here are some of the key parameters that must be covered.

What is the scope of the employee training program?

The lockout tagout program must offer an experienced on-site instructor to conduct the authorized training. All employees who will be involved in servicing must be trained to recognize potential dangers and be able to isolate hazardous energy sources by applying the right tools and techniques. The consultant must create lockout tagout procedures that are site specific and the implementation intricacies must be conveyed diligently. The training must also include all special circumstances that may be specific to a company or an industry.

Will the lockout tagout program be supported by document procedures?

During the development of lockout tagout procedures machine specific details must be included. All procedures must be created by professional engineers and must include the comprehensive list of energy sources that must be isolated during the lockout process as well as the residual energy that must be released. Steps involved in the verification of lockout device assessment must be documented. The consultant must offer both digital as well as hard copies of the procedures to the client.

What is covered during the annual energy control inspection?

Annual energy control audits are a part of the on-site services offered by the consultant. During the inspection existing errors are identified, procedures are reviewed and the current lockout tagout program is matched for perfect reflection of all equipment and worker needs. Additionally, the consultant must also observe the employees performing the lockout tagout procedures in order to ensure a 10% safe working environment while performing maintenance.

Will the consultant pay attention to the corporate policy?

The company must have a corporate policy to outline the regulations of the lockout tagout program where all the specific needs of the company and the roles and responsibilities of the workers are outlined. The consultant may use the information to understand when the lockout is necessary, what level of authorization is administered to different groups of workers and all special circumstances that may be encountered. The complete scope of the program must be outlined in the corporate policy and the consultant may use this as a reference.

What special offers does the lockout tagout consultant offer?

While there may be several consultants available in the market it is important to understand how the chosen provider can help make a difference. Understand the expertise and experience of the consultant and clarify all expectations in advance. All consultants create lockout tagout procedures but not every company offers well documented copies of the procedures in the digital form and as hard copies. The right choice of the lockout tagout consultant is the key to implementing a successful program and thus needs optimum attention.

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