Australia Model Code of Practice: Managing the Risks of Plant in the Workplace 4.5: 4.5 Isolate all energy sources before work on plant using lock-out

An isolation procedure is a predetermined set of steps for tasks such as maintenance, repair, installation and cleaning so potentially hazardous energy cannot move or start the plant accidentally and entry to a restricted area is controlled. Lock-out is the most effective: shut down the machinery, identify all energy sources and other hazards and all isolation points, isolate energy sources, control or de-energise stored energy, lock out each isolation point, tag controls, energy sources and hazards, and test by trying to reactivate without exposing anyone to risk. A failed restart does not prove stored energy has dissipated, so further measures such as releasing hydraulic or pneumatic pressure, suspended weight or compressed springs may be needed. Energy sources include mains electricity, batteries and capacitors, solar panels, fuels, heat, steam, pressurised fluids and gases, stored energy, gravity and radiation. Use devices that effectively lock out the isolation points, with locks that accept several padlocks so each person working can fit their own.