Lock Out Tag Out Updates to NFPA 70E. 2024

NFPA 70E 2024 Edition clarifies some critical LOTO Lock Rules, Including Lock out has to be done with either a keyed or combination lock only. Tag Only systems are reserved for Linemen and Overhead power lines of medium voltage and above and then only with an additional protection measure. Here are some of the key points of LOTO that we all need to be aware of and implement on our projects.

120.3 Lockout/Tagout Principles

(A) Employee Involvement.

Each person who could be exposed directly or indirectly to a source of electrical energy shall be involved in the lockout/tagout procedure.

Locks/tags shall be installed only on circuit disconnecting means. Control devices, such as push-buttons or selector switches, shall not be used as the primary isolating device.

Lockout Device.

The lockout device shall meet the following requirements:

• (1) A lockout device shall include a lock — either keyed or combination.

• (2) The lockout device shall include a method of identifying the individual who installed the lockout device.

• (3) A lockout device shall be permitted to be only a lock, if the lock is readily identifiable as a lockout device, in addition to having a means of identifying the person who installed the lock, provided that all of the following conditions exist:

  • a. Only one circuit or piece of equipment is de-energized.

  • b. The lockout period does not extend beyond the work shift.

  • c. Employees exposed to the hazards associated with re-energizing the circuit or equipment are familiar with this procedure.

  
  

• (4) Lockout devices shall be attached to prevent operation of the disconnecting means without resorting to undue force or the use of tools.

• (5) Where a tag is used in conjunction with a lockout device, the tag shall contain a statement prohibiting unauthorized operation of the disconnecting means or unauthorized removal of the device.

• (6) Lockout devices shall be suitable for the environment and for the duration of the lockout.

• (7) Whether keyed or combination locks are used, the key or combination shall remain in the possession of the individual installing the lock or the person in charge, when provided by the established procedure.

Even though a uniquely identified lock used as a lockout device can be used in conjunction with other components, the fundamental lockout device must be a lock. The lockout device must also include information that identifies the person who installed the lock and must be installed in a manner that prevents the operation of the energy isolation device.

The lockout device must be capable of withstanding the environment to which it is exposed for the maximum period of time that exposure is expected. It must also be substantial enough to prevent removal without the use of excessive force or unusual techniques, such as the use of bolt cutters or other metal cutting tools.

The method of locking (by key or combination) must prevent unauthorized removal of the lock. The person who might be exposed to an electrical hazard must be in control of the electrical energy. To accomplish that, the key to the lock must remain in the possession of the person who installed it.

Tagout Device.

The tagout device shall meet the following requirements: [For Medium Voltage Over Head Power Lines and Above Only]

• (1) A tagout device shall include a tag together with an attachment means.

• (2) The tagout device shall be readily identifiable as a tagout device and suitable for the environment and duration of the tagout.

• (3) A tagout device attachment means shall be capable of withstanding at least 222.4 N (50 lb) of force exerted at a right angle to the disconnecting means surface. The tag attachment means shall be nonreusable, attachable by hand, self-locking, nonreleasable, and equal to an all-environmental tolerant nylon cable tie.

• (4) Tags shall contain a statement prohibiting unauthorized operation of the disconnecting means or removal of the tag.

• (5) A hold card tagging tool on an overhead conductor in conjunction with a hotline tool to install the tagout device safely on a disconnect that is isolated from the work(s) shall be permitted. Where a hold card is used, the tagout procedure shall include the method of accounting for personnel who are working under the protection of the hold card. 

The device must be easily recognizable as a tagout device. It must be securely attached to the energy isolation device to alert employees that the equipment is not to be operated until the tag is removed.

The work environment of utility employees often leads to the disconnecting means being located several miles away from a worksite. Utility systems have successfully relied on hold cards to provide warnings when operating a disconnecting means could place employees in danger. Utility workers are trained to respect the system associated with the hold card, which generally results in a positive and effective system of energy control.

When tagout is employed, at least one more safety measure, such as removing the cutout, must be used in addition to the use of the hold card. Employees of utility systems must be covered by a written policy that describes how the hold card system functions. Where contract employees perform utility maintenance or construction, the contract employer must provide a program that is at least as effective as the program of the utility authorizing the contractor’s work.