The North V-SAFE, B-SAFE and M-SAFE products are world renowned as innovative products for Lockout/Tagout. The key to any great product is that it is easy to use, complies to standards, performs the task to expectations, and is cost effective. The North Lockout/Tagout products all qualify.

Lockout/Tagout is a very serious issue for all maintenance and production departments. Many fatalities and injuries occur when there is an uncontrolled release of energy from chemicals or gases in pipes or from the moving and engaging of machinery. This can happen while they are being maintained or serviced, in most cases by groups of individuals or trades people.

North has one of the most complete lines of Lockout/Tagout products including wall stations and portable kits, all with North tags and most contain our revolutionary M-SAFE dielectric hasps.

Most industrial accidents are caused by the unexpected energization or start up of machines or equipment or bY the uncontrolled release of energy. Many of these accidents can be prevented by proper LOCKOUT / TAGOUT procedures. OSHA's LOCKOUT / TAGOUT standard, 29 CFR & 1910.147 & 1910.269 are designed to prevent needless deaths and serious injuries to service and maintenance personnel by controlling unauthorized or accidental use of energy. To perform service and maintenance work on industrial equipment safely, you must understand the importance of energy control and OSHA's LOCKOUT / TAGOUT standard. You must also know how to apply energy isolation and LOCKOUT / TAGOUT.

A LOCKOUT is a method of keeping equipment from being set in motion and endangering workers.
• A disconnect switch, circuit breaker, valve or other energy isolation mechanism is put in the safe or off position.
• A device is often placed over the energy-isolating mechanism to hold it in the safe position. This is where NORTH LOCKOUT / TAGOUT products are essential
• A lock is attached so that the equipment can't be energized. In a TAGOUT, the energy-isolating device is placed in the safe position and a written warning is attached to it. All lockout and tagout materials are supplied by the employer. Each device must be:
• Durable, to withstand wear.
• Substantial, so it won't come off easily.
• Capable of identifying the person who applied it. Many companies issue each worker authorized to apply LOCKOUT/ TAGOUT their own personal lock imprinted with his name.

WHEN SHOULD YOU LOCKOUT/TAGOUT?

LOCKOUT / TAGOUT is necessary whenever you are performing service or maintenance in proximity to a machine where you could be injured by:
• Unexpected start up of the equipment.
• Release of stored energy. Two situations are most likely to need LOCKOUT / TAGOUT:
• When you must remove or bypass a guard or other safety device.
• When you must place any part of your body where you could be caught by moving machinery. Some jobs for which LOCKOUT / TAGOUT should be used are:
• Repairing electrical circuits.
• Cleaning or oiling machinery with moving parts.
• Clearing jammed mechanisms.

• Energy isolation and LOCKOUT / TAGOUT are to be applied only by trained employees authorized to perform service or maintenance.
• Before LOCKOUT / TAGOUT is applied, all employees who work in the affected area must be notified.
• OSHA requires that control of hazardous energy be done according to a six-step procedure.

1 PREPARATION FOR SHUTDOWN
Before you turn off any equipment in order to lock or tag it out, you must know:
• The types and amounts of energy that power it.
• The hazards of that energy.
• How the energy can be controlled.

2 EQUIPMENT SHUTDOWN
• Shut the system down by using its operating controls.
• Follow whatever procedure is applicable for the equipment, so that you don't endanger anyone during shutdown.

3 EQUIPMENT ISOLATION
• Install all energy-isolating devices so that the equipment is isolated from its energy sources.
• Be sure to isolate all energy sources and secondary power supplies as well as the main one.
• Never pull an electrical switch while it is under load.
• Never remove a fuse instead of disconnecting the energy or power.

4 APPLICATION OF LOCKOUT / TAGOUT DEVICES
• All energy-isolating devices are to be locked, lagged or both according to your company LOCKOUT/TAGOUT procedures.
• Only the standardized devices supplied by your employer are to be used for LOCKOUT / TAGOUT, and they are not to be used for anything else.
• Use a LOCKOUT device if your lock cannot be placed directly on the energy control.
• When LOCKOUT is used, every employee can lock out a single energy-isolating device by using a multiple-lock hasp.
• For big jobs, a LOCKOUT box can be used to maintain control over a large number of padlocks and keys.
• If tags are used instead of locks, attach them at the same point as you would a lock, or as close to it as possible.
• Fill tags out completely and correctly.

5 CONTROL OF STORED ENERGY
Take any of the following steps that are necessary to guard against energy left in the equipment after it has been isolated from its energy sources.
• Inspect the system to make sure all parts have stopped moving.
• Install ground wires.
• Relieve trapped pressure.
• Release the tension on springs, or block the movement of spring-driven parts.
• Block or brace parts that could fall because of gravity.
• Block parts in hydraulic and pneumatic systems that could move from the loss of pressure.
• Bleed the lines and leave vent valves open.
• Drain process piping systems and close valves to prevent the flow of hazardous materials.
• If a line must be blocked where there is no valve, use a blank flange.
• Purge reactor tanks and process lines.
• Dissipate extreme cold or heat, or wear protective clothing.
• If stored energy can reaccumulate, monitor it to make sure it stays below hazardous levels.

6 EQUIPMENT ISOLATION VERIFICATION
Take any of the following steps that fit your company's equipment and energy control program.
Make sure all danger areas are clear of personnel. Verify that the main disconnect switch or circuit breaker can't be moved to the "on" position.
Use a voltmeter or other equipment to check the switch. Press all start buttons and other activating controls on the equipment itself to ensure that it is isolated.
• Shut off all machine controls when the testing is finished.

PERFORMING THE WORK
• Look ahead, and avoid doing anything that could re-activate the equipment.
• Don't bypass the lockout when putting in new piping or wiring.

WARNING
These procedures alone do not give you all the tools you need to work safely around hazardous machines and energy sources. Your employer must have a written procedure and you must be trained in the use of LOCKOUT/TAGOUT devices. It is up to you to guard all workers and your own life and health by complying with these rules.