Isolation/Lockout Procedure

An isolation procedure is a set of predetermined steps that should be followed when workers are required to perform tasks such as inspection, maintenance, cleaning, repair and construction.

Machines and appliances may be isolated by any staff member. Isolated items must be inspected by the maintenance team, or anyone nominated by the Operations Team, before they are unlocked and put back into service. Any unauthorised re-activation may result in immediate ban from the makerspace.

The following lock-out process is the most effective isolation procedure:

• Shut down the machinery and equipment.
• Identify all energy sources and other hazards.
• Identify all isolation points.
• Isolate all energy sources. In the case of electrical equipment ‘whole current isolation’, such as the main isolator, should be used instead of ‘control isolation’ by way of the stop button on a control panel.
• Lock-out all isolation points, using padlocks, multi- padlock hasps and danger tags (dependant on machine or equipment).
• Danger Tag machinery controls, energy sources and other hazards.

When using locks or danger tags, consider the following:

• Tags should be dated and signed, with summary of why it's locked out.
• Should be accompanied by a corresponding entry in the record book (Date, summary of issue, signature).
• Tags and locks should only be removed by the WHS Officer.
• The lock or cage must ensure that the equipment cannot be used or powered on.

In the event of an emergency within the main workshop, the isolation switch should be triggered by anyone in attendance. The isolation switch is located in the South-West corner of the workshop, closest to the Classroom windows. Before resetting the isolation switch, the Site Supervisor should be alerted to the triggering, and will be responsible for deeming the workshop safe to operate again.