Lockout Tagout Training: Requirements and Compliance

Ensuring the safety of workers during maintenance and servicing of machinery is paramount for companies operating in Ontario, Canada. Lockout Tagout (LOTO) procedures are critical safety measures designed to prevent accidental startup and the release of hazardous energy. This article outlines the legislative requirements, compliance guidelines, and the importance of proper LOTO training for companies in Ontario.

Legislative Framework

Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA)

The primary legislation governing workplace safety in Ontario is the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA). Under OHSA, employers are required to take every precaution reasonable in the circumstances for the protection of workers. This includes implementing and maintaining effective LOTO procedures.

Ontario Regulation 851: Industrial Establishments

Ontario Regulation 851, also known as the Industrial Establishments Regulation, provides specific requirements for LOTO procedures. Sections 42 and 74-76 of this regulation outline the necessity for locking out machinery to control hazardous energy during maintenance and repair activities. The regulation mandates that energy-isolating devices must be locked out and tagged to prevent accidental activation.

Compliance Requirements

CSA Z460-20: Control of Hazardous Energy - Lockout and Other Methods

The Canadian Standards Association (CSA) standard Z460-20 provides comprehensive guidelines for controlling hazardous energy. This standard emphasizes the need for detailed lockout procedures, training, and periodic audits to ensure compliance. It defines lockout as the placement of a lockout device on an energy-isolating device according to an established procedure to prevent energization.

Training Requirements

Authorized and Affected Workers

All workers involved in LOTO procedures must undergo training. This includes both authorized employees who perform the lockout and affected employees who work in areas where LOTO procedures are implemented. Training should cover the recognition of hazardous energy sources, the steps involved in the lockout process, and the proper use of lockout devices and tags.

Frequency of Training

It is recommended that LOTO training be completed every three years. Training should also be repeated whenever there are significant changes to the LOTO policy or program, or when new machinery or equipment is introduced. New employees must receive both general and site-specific LOTO training upon hiring.

Hazards of Poor Lockout Tagout Training

Failing to properly train employees on LOTO procedures can lead to severe consequences, including:

1. Accidental Startup of Machinery: Without proper LOTO procedures, machinery may be inadvertently activated during maintenance, leading to serious injuries or fatalities.
2. Release of Hazardous Energy: Inadequate training can result in the uncontrolled release of electrical, hydraulic, pneumatic, or other forms of hazardous energy, posing significant risks to workers.
3. Non-Compliance Penalties: Companies that do not comply with LOTO regulations may face legal penalties, fines, and increased scrutiny from regulatory bodies.
4. Increased Workplace Accidents: Poor LOTO training contributes to a higher incidence of workplace accidents, which can result in lost productivity, increased insurance costs, and damage to the company’s reputation.

Compliance with LOTO legislative and training requirements is essential for ensuring workplace safety and protecting workers from hazardous energy. By adhering to the guidelines set out in the OHSA, Ontario Regulation 851, and CSA Z460-20, companies can create a safer work environment and avoid the severe consequences of inadequate LOTO training. Regular training, proper implementation of lockout procedures, and continuous monitoring are key components of an effective LOTO program.