Lockout energy control placarding for power distribution equipment

The use of lockout techniques is required in most facilities, including power distribution facilities, but is often established in many different ways. Often times flags, tags, the instructions of a system operator, or other means are utilized in power distribution facilities to approximate the same level of safety is afforded by use of actual physical locks. Extensive training is required to maintain the integrity of these alternate systems, but the chance of error is greater than in the systems where locks are used. Use of personal locks also squarely places the responsibility of achieving the electrically safe condition of the equipment upon the worker or employee. The tool discussed in this article, called a placard, has been used in some industrial facilities to enhance the federal requirements of a lockout energy control program. This tool has been applied to power distribution equipment. This article discusses the development and implementation of placards along with the advantages and difficulties encountered during the process.