Authorized Employee Training
“Authorized employees” are those who have completed lockout/tagout training and whose job is to conduct the service and/or maintenance of equipment as needed. Types of authorized employees within the manufacturing environment can include the maintenance personnel, floor supervisors, and general management. At some companies, operators who service and clean their own equipment are also considered authorized employees.
This training helps ensure that all authorized employees are aligned on how to safely do their work and gives them the idea of what are the expectations of the company from them. This also helps to build a stronger safety culture and educates employees about the serious consequences of improper lockout/tagout.
Things to cover in authorized employee training include:
- When to lockout equipment: Any time you are putting your body in harm’s way or have to leave the area to get a part or tool
- When lockout is not needed: Lockout is not needed for minor servicing activities. However, if a task that falls in this category seems like it could be dangerous, you must use lockout/tagout
- Five major components that make up a successful lockout/tagout program are: policy, training, audits, devices and procedures
- Recognizing and controlling hazards
- Proper steps to shut down and isolate the equipment
- Special exceptions such as group lockout or shift change
Affected Employee Training
“Affected employees” are in positions that require them to operate or use a machine or equipment on which service or maintenance is performed, or that require them to work in an area in which service or maintenance is performed. Affected employees include nearly all floor personnel – especially machine operators and assistants who are typically responsible for the general upkeep and functioning of machinery. By conducting this training, a company can confirm that all affected employees are aligned on how to safely do their work and gives them the idea of what are the expectations of the company from them.
Training should focus on what not to do during lockout/tagout, including:
- Do not remove locks on equipment that is locked out
- Do not attempt to restart de-energized equipment
- Do not work on the equipment or participate in the lockout
Affected employee training is essentially an awareness training. It helps educate authorized employees about their roles and limitations in regard to lockout/tagout.
Optional refresher trainings
While not required, it is highly recommended that companies host an annual refresher training for those who perform lockout/tagout. Refresher trainings for authorized employees provide clients and their employees an opportunity to address any concerns they may have on previous trainings. It is needed any time there are changes to equipment or job duties and responsibilities. Additionally, the incorporation of refresher trainings allows our team to stay current with OSHA regulations and provides them an opportunity to discuss any questions or concerns they may have about equipment and functions.