Lockout/Tagout Safety Essentials

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Mechanization is an integral part of today’s food processing industry. Machines have streamlined every aspect of the business but, in turn have created opportunity for injured workers. A critical component of operating equipment safely is having a robust lockout/tagout/blockout program.

Lockout/tagout/blockout (LOTOBO) refers to the steps necessary in neutralizing hazardous energy. Energy of any type – electrical, gravity, hydraulic – poses a threat to workers. It is imperative that a series of steps be followed to minimize that risk, particularly when workers are operating, performing maintenance or cleaning the equipment.

California Code of Regulations, Title 8, Standard 3314 is the Control of Hazardous Energy for Cleaning, Repairing, Servicing, Setting-Up and Adjusting Operations of Prime Movers, Machinery and Equipment, including Lockout/Tagout. The lengthy name is appropriate given that the standard has a number of intricate components an employer must follow.

In a nutshell, the standard includes requirements for cleaning, servicing and adjusting operations, repair work and setting-up operations, proper use of hardware and materials, protocol for repetitive process machines, hazardous energy control procedures, inspection procedures, and training.

The processing industry has been cited more for failure to comply with Standard 3314 than any other regulation. From October 2010 to September 2011, the most current data available, processors were cited 20 times for a total of $59,155 in penalties. These citations accounted for 40 percent of the total number issued and 44 percent of the penalties levied.

The California League of Food Processors, in partnership with AgSafe, are teaming up to tackle the issue of LOTOBO. Throughout November and early December, LOTOBO training and resources will be available to CLFP members. All are encouraged to participate in the Lockout/Tagout/Blockout Safety Essentials course that provides an overview of the regulatory requirements, covers basic hazardous energy safety procedures and identifies practical implementation tools. Any worker that is responsible for operating, maintaining or cleaning equipment should attend the training.

LOTOBO Safety Essentials Training

8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.: English
1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.: Spanish

November 28 – Del Monte Foods, Hanford, CA
November 29 – Del Monte Foods, Modesto, CA
December 5 – Pacific Coast Producers, Woodland, CA
Cost: $60 per person

Please fill out the registration form to participate.

For more information on the seminars, please contact Trudi Hughes, (916) 640-8150 or trudi@clfp.com.

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