Kinetic Energy Dissipation

Kinetic energy dissipation is the controlled removal, absorption, or reduction of motion energy so machinery, parts, or falling bodies cannot transfer hazardous force to a worker. In WorkSafeBC terms, even after equipment is shut down and locked out, kinetic energy may still be present and must be dissipated before workers interact with the equipment.

In practical manufacturing and shop-floor terms, a machine is not considered safe just because the main power source is isolated; rotating flywheels, coasting conveyors, moving saw blades, suspended loads, press slides, or pressurized components may still retain dangerous motion and must be stopped, restrained, bled off, blocked, or otherwise brought to zero-energy state before servicing. After isolating power, workers verify that rotating, reciprocating, or suspended components have fully stopped before starting maintenance. Equipment with brakes may be allowed to brake to a stop; otherwise, workers must wait for complete cessation of movement. Raised dies, lifted platens, elevated machine heads, or suspended assemblies may need blocking or cribbing so stored motion cannot reappear or drift.

• ⚠️Assuming electrical lockout equals zero energy: A machine can be electrically isolated yet still have coasting motion, spring return, residual rotation, or suspended load movement; WorkSafeBC explicitly warns that hidden kinetic energy may remain after disconnection.
• ⚠️Entering too early during rundown or coast-down: Workers may open guards, clean, adjust, or clear jams before motion has fully stopped, violating the requirement to prevent contact with energized equipment.
• ⚠️Failing to use or maintain dissipative controls: Broken brakes, worn deceleration devices, or missing mechanical restraints can leave motion energy uncontrolled; WorkSafeBC expects energy-isolating devices capable of controlling or dissipating hazardous energy to be designed, manufactured, and installed appropriately.