Precast Inc. - March/April 2008 - (Page 47)

the equipment is disconnected from its energy source. This procedure can be used only if the energy source cannot be locked out. Tagout is not as safe as a complete lockout and may evoke a false sense of security. Most precast plants use a complete lockout program, however. Other isolation devices commonly used with lockouts may include: • Placing a block of wood under the forks of a forklift while working on it • Installing chains to hold the head of a press while working under it with the hydraulic unit off • Removing the battery of a vehicle • Closing a valve and locking it with a chain and lock • Removing a piece of pipe to isolate the system In a precast plant the mixer is perhaps the most dangerous piece of equipment, because somebody has to go inside it every day for cleaning and therefore the risk increases. Some newer mixers incorporate a pressure wash that eliminates some of these hazards, but in most plants the mixer must be cleaned manually. Remember, only authorized and trained employees can go inside a mixer, and then only after they install all lockouts, pocket the keys and ensure that it cannot start up. Some plants wisely use three lockouts on the mixer: one in the control panel, one in the motor disconnect and one in the main circuit breaker. Even with these precautions in place, cleaning the mixer is a dangerous operation and should be treated as such. Conveyors must also be locked out when performing work on or around them. Most of them start automatically without any warning, and therefore it is important to eliminate all sources of pneumatic and electric energy. Two major causes of accidents from machines can be attributed to overconfidence and the “quick fix.” Overconfidence is based on the wrong belief that because the employee has done something over and over again without a problem, nothing bad will ever happen. Most of the time, this dangerous concept is based on lack of knowledge, lack of supervision or lack of training. Remember: All it takes is one time or one split second for someone to get killed or severely injured. The quick fix, as the name implies, happens when employees do something to the machinery without following the proper procedures because it may take too long. Either way, the employees must understand that they are placing themselves in a highly hazardous situation and the consequences could be fatal if something should go wrong. The main causes of lockout injuries are failure to stop equipment, failure to disconnect equipment from the power source, and accidental restarting or failure to clear work areas before restarting the equipment. According to OSHA, compliance with the Control of Hazardous Energy standard could prevent an QMC is proud to announce its new lightweight 3030LT. 12% lighter than the standard 3630P, the new 3030LT will pass its weight savings directly into additional payload capacity without sacrificing performance. The 3030LT handles an impressive 30,000 pounds at 12 feet in every quadrant. www.QMCcranes.com or 800-331-7959 MARCH/APRIL 2008 | WWW.PRECAST.ORG 47 http://www.QMCcranes.com http://www.QMCcranes.com http://www.precast.org

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Precast Inc. - March/April 2008

Precast Inc. - March/April 2008 Contents Technically Speaking Concrete Repairs Return-to-Work Programs Marketing in a New World Building Confidence Risk Management Culture Bloquea La Energia – Es Tu Vida! Lock It Out – It’s Your Life! Fiber Optics in Countertops MCPX Wrap-Up Product Profile People & Products Advertisers Index NPCA Calendar

Precast Inc. - March/April 2008

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