Introduction

In industrial and commercial environments, the unexpected energization or startup of machinery, or the uncontrolled release of hazardous energy, poses a severe and often fatal risk to workers performing maintenance or service activities. For electrical systems, this danger is particularly acute, encompassing risks of electric shock, arc flash, and electrocution. Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) is a critical safety procedure designed to prevent such incidents by systematically isolating energy sources and rendering equipment inoperable before work begins. This procedure ensures that machinery remains in a safe, de-energized state, protecting personnel from inadvertent re-energization or the discharge of stored energy. Implementing a robust Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) for Electrical Work program is not merely a regulatory requirement but a fundamental commitment to worker safety, preventing tragic accidents and ensuring operational continuity by safeguarding both personnel and valuable assets. This comprehensive training course focuses on equipping professionals with the expertise to master Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) for Electrical Work.

This training course is meticulously designed to empower electricians, maintenance technicians, safety officers, supervisors, and control system engineers with the theoretical understanding and practical skills necessary to effectively implement and manage Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) for Electrical Work. Participants will gain a deep understanding of energy isolation principles, explore various types of energy sources (electrical, mechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic, thermal), learn about the specific steps involved in LOTO procedures, and acquire hands-on experience in selecting appropriate lockout devices and verifying zero energy states. The course will delve into topics such as identifying authorized and affected employees, group LOTO procedures, managing LOTO during shift changes, auditing LOTO program effectiveness, and integrating LOTO with broader electrical safety programs (e.g., NFPA 70E). By mastering the principles and practical application of Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) for Electrical Work, participants will be prepared to ensure maximum worker protection, prevent electrical accidents, guarantee regulatory compliance, and foster a robust safety culture in their respective workplaces.

Duration: 5 Days

Target Audience

• Electricians
• Electrical Maintenance Technicians
• Industrial Technicians
• Safety Officers and Managers
• Maintenance Supervisors
• Machine Operators
• Control System Engineers
• Plant Engineers
• Anyone who services or maintains electrical equipment

Objectives

• Understand the fundamental principles and purpose of Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) for electrical work.
• Learn about the regulatory requirements governing LOTO (e.g., OSHA, NFPA 70E).
• Acquire skills in identifying various types of hazardous energy in electrical systems.
• Comprehend techniques for developing and implementing LOTO procedures for specific equipment.
• Explore strategies for verifying zero electrical potential before work.
• Understand the importance of proper LOTO devices and their application.
• Gain insights into managing group LOTO procedures and complex scenarios.
• Develop a practical understanding of auditing and maintaining LOTO program compliance.

Course Content

Module 1: Introduction to Hazardous Energy and LOTO Fundamentals

• Understanding hazardous energy: electrical, mechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic, chemical, thermal.
• The critical need for Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) in preventing accidents.
• Statistics on LOTO-related injuries and fatalities.
• Purpose and scope of LOTO: control of hazardous energy.
• Benefits of a robust LOTO program.

Module 2: Regulatory Frameworks for LOTO

• Overview of OSHA 29 CFR 1910.147, "The Control of Hazardous Energy (Lockout/Tagout)".
• Key definitions: authorized employee, affected employee, other employee.
• NFPA 70E: Standard for Electrical Safety in the Workplace and its LOTO requirements.
• Employer and employee responsibilities under LOTO regulations.
• Consequences of LOTO non-compliance.

Module 3: Identifying and Isolating Electrical Energy Sources

• Tracing electrical circuits and identifying disconnect points.
• Types of electrical energy: normal operating voltage, stored electrical energy (capacitors).
• Methods of isolating electrical energy: circuit breakers, disconnect switches, pull-outs.
• Importance of clearly labeling energy sources.
• Ensuring complete de-energization of the circuit or equipment.

Module 4: Developing and Implementing LOTO Procedures

• Steps for creating equipment-specific LOTO procedures.
• Flowcharting and detailed written instructions for energy control.
• Identifying all energy sources for a piece of equipment.
• Placement of lockout devices and tags.
• Communicating LOTO procedures to all affected personnel.

Module 5: Lockout/Tagout Devices and Their Proper Use

• Types of lockout devices: padlocks, hasps, circuit breaker lockouts, valve lockouts.
• Types of tagout devices and their warning function.
• Requirements for LOTO devices: durable, standardized, identifiable.
• Proper application and removal of LOTO devices.
• Understanding when "tagout only" is permitted.

Module 6: Verifying Zero Electrical Potential and Stored Energy

• The absolute critical step: verifying absence of voltage (testing before touching).
• Approved voltage testing equipment and its proper use.
• Proving the test instrument before and after testing.
• Checking all phases and verifying ground.
• Safely discharging stored electrical energy (e.g., capacitors).

Module 7: Complex LOTO Scenarios and Group Lockout

• Group lockout procedures for multiple authorized employees.
• Procedures for LOTO during shift changes.
• Handling LOTO for contractors and outside personnel.
• Complex machinery with multiple energy sources.
• Dealing with unforeseen circumstances during LOTO.

Module 8: LOTO Program Auditing, Training, and Continuous Improvement

• Training requirements for authorized and affected employees.
• Periodic inspection and auditing of LOTO procedures and practices.
• Documenting LOTO audits and corrective actions.
• Learning from LOTO-related incidents and near misses.
• Fostering a strong LOTO safety culture and management commitment.

Training Approach

This course will be delivered by our skilled trainers who have vast knowledge and experience as expert professionals in the fields. The course is taught in English and through a mix of theory, practical activities, group discussion and case studies. Course manuals and additional training materials will be provided to the participants upon completion of the training.

Tailor-Made Course

This course can also be tailor-made to meet organization requirement. For further inquiries, please contact us on: Email: info@skillsforafrica.org, training@skillsforafrica.org  Tel: +254 702 249 449

Training Venue

The training will be held at our Skills for Africa Training Institute Training Centre. We also offer training for a group at requested location all over the world. The course fee covers the course tuition, training materials, two break refreshments, and buffet lunch.

Visa application, travel expenses, airport transfers, dinners, accommodation, insurance, and other personal expenses are catered by the participant

Certification

Participants will be issued with Skills for Africa Training Institute certificate upon completion of this course.

Airport Pickup and Accommodation

Airport pickup and accommodation is arranged upon request. For booking contact our Training Coordinator through Email: info@skillsforafrica.org, training@skillsforafrica.org  Tel: +254 702 249 449

Terms of Payment: Unless otherwise agreed between the two parties’ payment of the course fee should be done 10 working days before commencement of the training.