Lockout/Tag Out: The Whole Team is responsible

The effective implementation of an endurable lockout and tag out system can be a dire task. Directing the rules and regulations, obtaining the appropriate devices on hand and suitably training the workers who are both authorized and affected can prove to be a time taken job for most of the organizations. The main question is who really is responsible for the task of lockout?  This question can be answered with a simple word- everyone. The best way to guarantee a steady and coherent lockout program is to gain the support and engagement of all levels of the company.

An efficient lockout/tag out system is initiated with the investment done by the management. The executive team of a company is held responsible to set the vision and for the implementation of commercial protocols. They are also liable for enduring values of the facility around safety culture. This is the basis of successful performance. The investigation, audits and operational risk review should all be performed under the supervision of the executive team. The key is the active involvement during the whole process when it starts and till it is implemented.

Now after the executive team, comes the front line managers performance, who are responsible for many strategic requirements of a lockout system.  Guidance for machine-specific processes, conduction of training and audits, keeping the executive team informed about the ratio of success, concerns and issues and continuously improving the manufacturing floor all fall under the responsibility of front line managers. They are basically the connecting point between the employees and the team consist of executives, providing both with their needs required for durable success.

Once the implementation of the protocols and procedures is completed, the responsibility moves to the employees. Official employees have the simplest form of responsibilities. Their responsibility is to maintain specific knowledge, abilities and skills for the performance of lockout activities, while giving a demonstration to have a safety mindset throughout the whole process. They basically have to control for the health and safety of other employees as they perform their duties for the maintenance by following documented procedure.

Those people who think that the responsibility ends with the employees, they should think again. Affected employees also have a keen role. The general safety should be especially attended by these individuals. They should be aware of the lockout processes in their work area and they must notice the necessary warnings provided there through a lockout device. Without their effective cooperation, a comprehensively developed lockout and tag out system cannot be maintained.

Further, it is to be ensured that the facility has the devices which are most versatile and undoubtedly-fit and are available for the employees. The available lockout devices come under four types which should be provided in your facility and offices to create the sense of responsibility among the employees. These devices include padlocks, safety hasps, tags and the devices for the safety of isolation points.

The target of any lockout system is to give importance to safety, compliance and promote sustainability. To achieve these three targets, contact DEVELOPMENT GENERATION GENERAL TRADING, as they provide the most successful systems with full corporate hierarchy.