Sadly, people are killed every year because of isolation and lock off are not completed correctly. In this episode, Colin explains in detail the process for isolation and lock off and why checks should be carried out through the isolation and lock off process.

If you need  concise and informative instructions on how to go through the  isolation and lock off process effectively for maintenance on any equipment this podcast is a must

 

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• You need to identify all pieces of equipment operating on the site and clearly mark them so you can refer accurately to them.
• Mark the links between the equipment and their isolators
• Equipment may have different energy sources, and these may need to be isolated in different ways.
• You need to have a clear set of instructions for isolating the plant and ensuring it can’t be re-energised.
• A good practice is to have isolation and lock off record log, this will enable you to track what is happening and when.
• The plant must be shut down in a controlled way for any maintenance activity.
• When the plant is shut down it should be isolated, and a lock put on.
• It's vital to test that the isolation and lock off are working prior to beginning any maintenance work activity.
• It's advisable to signal to others that maintenance is taking place on a piece of equipment.
• There needs to be very good communication between the people on site.
• When the maintenance is completed the control measures should be replaced and checked and then the locks can be removed
• When the equipment is restarted its vital everyone knows that this is happening.

 

BEST MOMENTS

‘There is a responsibility on every person with a lock’

‘If the plant is shut down, lock off  makes sure it cannot be turned back on again’

‘If you are working in a confined space or at height you may require a permit to work’

 

VALUABLE RESOURCES

 The Interesting Health& Safety Podcast

 

ABOUT THE HOST

Colin’s Biography

 

‘Making health and safety as important as everything else we do.’

This is the belief that Colin is passionate about and through his

consultancy Influential Management Group (IMG) is able to spread into industry.

Colin works at a strategic level with company owners and board members. He helps business leaders establish and achieve their health and safety ambitions.

He has developed a number of leading competency improvement programmes

that are delivered across industry and his strengths are his ability to take

a practical approach to problem-solving and being able to liaise at all levels

within an organisation.

Colin also runs a company that vets contractors online and a network that develops and support H&S consultancies to become better businesses.

Colin chairs the Construction Dust Partnership, an industry collaboration directly involving

many organisations, including the Health and Safety Executive.

He is a Post Graduate Tutor at Strathclyde University and a highly sought-after health and safety speaker and trainer.

He has a Post Graduate Certificate in Safety and Risk management, an engineering degree and is a Chartered Member of the Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH).