A simple padlock can save a life

When certain pieces of equipment need to be accessed, maintained, or repaired, it's crucial to the safety of the person performing the task that the power to that system be shut off.

For example, if a person has to enter a grain bin and the auger is accidentally powered on, the person in the bin can be sucked down into the grain and suffocated or entangled in seconds.

One way to make it perfectly clear to other employees or others on the farm that power is off for a reason is using the lockout-tagout system. Today's National Grain and Feed Association (NGFA) Harvest Safety Week message offers step-by-step instructions.

Employers must develop written procedures for each energy source that may need to be locked out and communicate instructions to employees. Having an effective lockout-tagout system in place would prevent almost all engulfments, electrocutions, and entanglements in the grain and feed industry, according to the learning module.

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Before performing the task, the person turns off and places a padlock on the energy isolating device so it can't be accessed. 

The energy isolating device may be a circuit breaker, line valve, disconnect switch, block, or other item that stops energy from powering the device. Push buttons, selector switches, toggle switches, dials, limit switches, and control circuit devices do not provide the protection needed, and the power needs to be shut off at the source.

On the padlock is a tag explaining the padlock is there to keep power off for safety and should not be removed. The tag identifies the employee who placed the padlock, and the key remains with that employee. If more than one employee is working on the task, they should each place their own lock. If that is not possible, they should each place their own tag on the lock, but the lock should not be removed until each employee has removed his or her own tag.

Once the energy isolating devices are powered down, it's important to make sure any stored energy in the equipment is dissipated. This could mean discharging capacitors, releasing air or hydraulic pressure, letting equipment cool down, draining lines, or lowering loads.

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Then, test the equipment to see if it will start. If it passes the test, return the controls to the off position and work may begin.

Once work is finished, it's time to remove the lockout device. Be sure to remove all tools, parts, and debris from the area and replace any guards that were removed. Inspect equipment and work area.

Remove the lock-out device from the energy source, then alert affected employees and power up the equipment.

• Watch the entire lockout/tagout training module here.
  
• Learn more about NGFA Harvest Safety Week and access additional resources here.