Toolbox Talk 2015

Energy Isolation

Energy Isolation

  • What is energy isolation? The purpose of energy isolation is to prevent injury and damage when working on equipment and systems. Every day, workers are injured, often fatally, and equipment is damaged due to a lack of properly identifying sources of hazardous energy and properly isolating it.
  • What are the four basic steps for isolation energy?

Identify the energy source(s) – electrical, pneumatic, hydraulic, gravitational, internal combustion

Isolate the energy source(s) – follow company procedures

Lock and Tag the energy source(s) – follow Lock Out / Tag Out procedures

Prove that the equipment isolation is effective – cycle controls as appropriate
to ensure isolation

  • What are the sources of energy that you may need to isolate to perform your job? Discuss
    this question with the group. Spend some time to make sure all applications of energy isolation are discussed.
  • Energy isolation … As a worker

Understand the isolations that protect you from danger

Confirm with the Supervisor or the Person in Charge of the work that isolations are in place

Confirm with the Supervisor or the Person in Charge of the work that it is safe to start work

How do you apply the following rules at your worksite? Discuss this question with the group. Spend some time to make sure all applications of energy isolation are discussed.

  • Energy isolation … As a supervisor/person in charge
    How do you apply the following rules at your worksite?

Confirm isolation is in place, for example, lock switches, separate pipe with spades, or lock access doors

Confirm no stored energy or other dangers remain

Confirm that it is safe to start work

How do you apply the following rules at your worksite? Discuss this question with the group. Spend some time to make sure all applications of energy isolation are discussed.

Conclusion
  • Know the procedures for isolating energy in your worksite
  • Know the equipment and systems that require isolation in your worksite
  • Apply the procedures properly and help make sure your coworkers do as well.
  • If you know how to recognize and properly isolate energy … tell, and if you don’t know … ASK.

Your family and friends are waiting for you.

Follow-up notes