PDFWAC 296-307-32033

Order of events to be followed to remove lockout or tagout devices.

(1) Before removing lockout or tagout devices, the authorized employee must complete the following procedures:
(a) Inspect the work area to ensure that nonessential items have been removed and to ensure that machine or equipment components are operationally intact.
(b) Check the work area to ensure that all employees have been safely positioned or removed.
(2) After lockout or tagout devices have been removed and before a machine or equipment is started, affected employees must be notified that the lockout or tagout device(s) have been removed.
(3) Each lockout or tagout device must be removed from each energy isolating device by the authorized employee who applied the device.
Exception:
When the authorized employee who applied the lockout or tagout device is not available to remove it, that device may be removed under the employer's direction, if specific procedures and training for such removal have been developed, documented, and incorporated into the energy control program.
The employer must ensure that the specific procedure provides equivalent safety to the removal of the device by the authorized employee who applied it. The specific procedure must include at least the following elements:
(a) Verification by the employer that the authorized employee who applied the device is not at the facility;
(b) Making all reasonable efforts to inform the authorized employee that the lockout or tagout device has been removed; and
(c) Ensuring that the authorized employee has this knowledge before resuming work at that facility.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, 49.17.040, 49.17.050, and 49.17.060. WSR 20-21-091, § 296-307-32033, filed 10/20/20, effective 11/20/20. WSR 97-09-013, recodified as § 296-307-32033, filed 4/7/97, effective 4/7/97. Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.040, [49.17.]050 and [49.17.]060. WSR 96-22-048, § 296-306A-32033, filed 10/31/96, effective 12/1/96.]