Hazardous Energy, Research Paper Example

Sources of hazardous energy include electricity, heat, chemicals, and hydraulic or pneumatic energy that are used in machines and equipment. When equipment is undergoing maintenance or repairs, it is possible that stored energy of different types may be released through inadvertent startup of machines or equipment, the unexpected movement of parts due to stored hydraulic or pneumatic energy, or other accidental circumstances. The fundamental safety and health principle behind the control of hazardous energy standard is to protect employees from unexpected energization or startup of the machines or equipment, or release of stored energy, that could be harmful.

The osha.gov site lists several examples of possible injuries related to the release of stored energy:

• A steam valve is automatically turned on burning workers who are repairing a downstream connection in the piping.
• A jammed conveyor system suddenly releases crushing a worker who is trying to clear the jam.
• Internal wiring on a piece of factory equipment electrically shorts shocking employee who is repairing the equipment.

(https://www.osha.gov/SLTC/controlhazardousenergy/)

OSHA Standard 1910.147 establishes protocols for lockout/tagout procedures designed to avoid injuries and accidents related to the release of hazardous energy. Some examples of when these procedures can be applicable include: circumstance where an employee is required to bypass a guard or safety device during routine maintenance; an employee is required to place any part of his or her body into an area of a machine during maintenance; or when a machine or piece of equipment fails and must be repaired during operations. There are some exceptions to these standards, but the guiding principle is that they are intended to protect employees from injury or accident while repairing machines and equipment.

Resources

https://www.osha.gov/SLTC/controlhazardousenergy/

https://www.osha.gov/pls/oshaweb/owadisp.show_document?p_table=STANDARDS&p_id=9804

https://www.osha.gov/dte/grant_materials/fy09/sh-18796-09/lockout-tagout.pdf