Labor & Industries (L&I), Washington State

Lockout/Tagout (Control of Hazardous Energy) Chapter 296-803, WAC

Effective Date: 11/01/04

WAC 296-803-400 Energy Control Devices

For printing

Your Responsibility:
To provide appropriate lockout and tagout devices and means to control energy

You must

Provide appropriate means to control energy	WAC 296-803-40005
Make sure lockout and tagout devices meet these requirements	WAC 296-803-40010
Make sure lockout devices meet these additional requirements	WAC 296-803-40015
Make sure tagout devices meet these additional requirements	WAC 296-803-40020

WAC 296-803-40005
Provide appropriate means to control energy

You must

• Provide the means necessary to isolate, secure, or block machines and equipment from energy sources.

Note: Examples of means to control energy include: – Locks – Tags – Chains – Wedges – Key blocks – Adapter pins – Self-locking fasteners – Blank flanges – Cribbing.

WAC 296-803-40010
Make sure lockout and tagout devices meet these requirements

You must

• Make sure lockout and tagout devices meet all of the following:
  • – Create no additional hazards
  • – Have a distinctive design or appearance
  • – Are the only devices used for controlling energy
  • – Are not used for any other purpose
  • – Are durable enough to withstand the environment they’re used in for the maximum time they’re expected to be used
  • – Are standardized within the facility by color, shape, or size
  • – Identify the person applying the device.

WAC 296-803-40015
Make sure lockout devices meet these additional requirements

You must

• Make sure lockout devices are strong enough so that removing them by other than the normal unlocking method requires:
  • – Excessive force
    or
  • – Unusual techniques, such as the use of bolt cutters or other metal-cutting tools.

WAC 296-803-40020
Make sure tagout devices meet these additional requirements

You must

• Make sure all tags:
  • – Use the same print and format within a facility
  • – Are constructed and printed so they won't deteriorate and the message on the tag remains legible when:
    • Exposed to weather
    • Used in wet or damp locations
    • Used in corrosive environments such as areas where acid or alkali chemicals are handled or stored.
    – Have a warning about not energizing the machine or equipment.

Note: The warning on the tag should include wording such as: – Do Not Start – Do Not Open – Do Not Close – Do Not Energize – Do Not Operate.

You must

• Make sure tagout devices are strong enough to prevent unintentional or accidental removal.
• Make sure the means used to attach the tag to the energy-isolating device meets all of the following:
  • – Isn't reusable
  • – Is self-locking
  • – Can be attached by hand
  • – Can't be released with a force of less than 50 pounds
  • – Is similar in design and basic characteristics to a one-piece, all-environment-tolerant, nylon cable tie.