Trades safety

Lockout procedures

This section covers the protocols for electrical and mechanical lockout at SFU. All work on the electrical or mechanical systems at SFU requires authorization from the Superintendent of that division.

Refer to SFU's lockout procedures for additional information.

Lock-out & caution tags

There will be three tags authorized for use: lockout tags, caution tags, and information tags.

Lock-out tag

To avoid confusion and to highlight the new system, a new lock-out tag will be used. This tag is a Brady Stock No. 09482 and has red and white diagonal slashes (sample attached). This Tag should be used in accordance with university policy and it is recommended that a multiple locking hasp always be used to facilitate the application of more than one lock. This tag should be used in accordance is to be used for personnel safety ONLY.

Caution tag

This tag is mainly a yellow flag with the word 'CAUTION' highlighted in black. This is a stock Brady tag with no distinguishing Product Number. The policy for the use of this tag is located below. This tag is mainly used for equipment protection.

Information tag

This tag is black lettering on a white background and is to be used for information purposes only. The tag is an adhesive 4" x 2" vinyl rectangle custom made for our use. It is hoped that this tag will eliminate the misuse of lock-out and caution tags that has occurred in the past. It is anticipated that this tag will be used mainly for operational purposes such as EMS. It should be initialed and dated when applied.

While the use of these tags is fairly obvious, occasions will arrive where a combination of tags may be warranted and in such situations it is hoped that common sense will prevail and over application will not be a problem. If there is ever any doubt, the higher level tag should be applied (i.e. Information tag is lowest level, then caution tag and then the highest level "lock-out").

The misapplication of lock-out tags will not be tolerated as it would take away from the absolute personal protection that lock-out must afford.

Refer to WorksafeBC, OH&S Regulation, Part 10 for more information.