Hazardous energy toolbox talk

What it is

Electrical, mechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic, thermal or chemical energy released from plant and services that are not isolated and de-energised.

Controls to check, most effective first

1. Identify every energy source, including stored and residual energy, before starting maintenance, cleaning or repair work.
2. Isolate each energy source at lockable isolation points, and have each worker fit their own personal danger lock and tag.
3. Release or restrain stored energy by bleeding pressure, discharging capacitors, blocking raised parts and letting hot parts cool.
4. Verify isolation by attempting to start the plant and testing for zero energy before work begins.
5. Follow a written isolation procedure, and remove locks and tags only when work is complete and everyone is clear.

Where it comes up on the job

Work steps from SafetyDocs templates that deal with hazardous energy:

• Isolation - Lockout / Tag out (LOTO)Isolate and lock out hazardous energyFrom Hire Yard

Questions for the crew

1. Where could hazardous energy come up on this job today?
2. The most effective control is: “Identify every energy source, including stored and residual energy, before starting maintenance, cleaning or repair work”. Can we do that here? If not, why not?
3. Which controls for hazardous energy are missing or not working on this site?
4. When would you stop work because of hazardous energy, and who would you tell?
5. How do we report a hazard, a near miss or an incident on this job?