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SAFETY MOMENT, MARCH 23

Find every energy source

Safety moment, March 23

Find every energy source

Machines can start up without warning, and stored energy can be released even after the power is off. Lockout tagout keeps a machine from moving or releasing energy while someone is working on it. It only works when everyone follows the same steps, every time.

SAFETY MOMENT

March 23

The hazard

Machines can start up without warning, and stored energy can be released even after the power is off. Lockout tagout keeps a machine from moving or releasing energy while someone is working on it. It only works when everyone follows the same steps, every time.

The action

Energy can be electrical, mechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic, chemical, thermal or another kind, and one machine can have several sources. Lockout goes on an energy isolating device, like a disconnect switch, a circuit breaker or a line valve. Push buttons, selector switches and other control circuit devices are not energy isolating devices, so hitting the stop button is not lockout. (29 CFR 1910.147(b))

ASK THE CREW

Who on this crew is authorized to lock out, and who is affected?

From the talk: Lockout/tagout (LOTO). Read it in full, free, with the questions and the sign-in sheet.

HOW TO USE IT

How to give a safety moment

  1. Gather the crew where they work, before the shift or the meeting starts. Read the hazard out loud.
  2. Ask the question and let two or three people answer. What they say about their own work counts for more than what you read.
  3. Name the action and point to one place on today's job where it applies, so everyone knows what to do differently.
  4. Write the date and the names on a sign-in sheet.

A safety moment is short and does not replace the full talk. When you want to go through a topic with the crew, pick a free toolbox talk.

PRINT AND EDIT

365 safety moments, $29

One moment for every day of the year in the same format as this one: the hazard, the action, the question and the source talk with its citation. Print a page a day or show a slide.

  • 365 safety moments, one per day
  • Dated PDF calendar, a page a day
  • PowerPoint with one slide per moment
  • English and Spanish
  • Each moment links back to its cited toolbox talk

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Free 52-week toolbox talk calendar (PDF)