A Guide to Using a Group Lockout Box

What is Group Lockout?

When maintenance or service is performed by two or more authorized employees or teams, group lockout procedures must be observed.

Compliant procedures have on central goal: to ensure that group lockout operations have the same level of protection as personal lockout devices.

To begin, a primary authorized employee coordinates the process. The primary employee has several responsibilities:

• Control energy sources to be worked on.

• Communicate the purpose and scope of the maintenance or repair operation.

• Coordinate the operation.

• Ensure that procedures have been completed safely.

The team leader isolates all energy points, tests for zero energy, then secures the keys belonging to the energy source. Then every other authorized employee adds their personal lock to the point of isolation, ensuring the equipment cannot be re-energized until all locks are removed.

How is a Lockout Box Used in Group Lockout?

A group lockout box is an efficient way of practicing group lockout compliantly. The box has a series of holes on the sides, by which employees can attach their locks. The primary authorized employee de-energizes the equipment to be worked on. Then the keys from the locks applied to the energy source are placed inside the lock box. After each involved employee secures their lock to the box, the keys to the energy source cannot be accessed until every employee removes their lock.

It is important to remember to observe Osha's 'one person, one lock, one key' rule. If an employee works under a different employee's lock, the purpose of using a group lockout box is defeated.

Tip: Clear, machine-specific procedures reduce confusion and errors. The more detailed your written steps, the safer your team will be.

What to Look For in a Group Lockout Box?

What type of group lockout box you should purchase can be determined largely by three factors:

• The size of the environment.

• The type of environment.

• The number of employees who are likely to be involved regularly in group lockout.

In any case, you want your lockout box to be sturdy and dependable. Boxes come in a range of materials, including steel, aluminum, and plastic. If your workplace has a considerable amount of environmental stress, metal options are recommended.

Next, decide if portable lockout boxes or wall-mount boxes are more convenient. Wall-mount boxes provide the benefit of centralization and habit.

The number of locks accommodated by the box are also important to consider.