Lockout Tagout Program
A Lockout Tagout Program is a formal hazardous-energy control system requiring machinery to be shut down, isolated, locked in a safe state, and verified zero-energy before servicing or maintenance begins. In British Columbia, WorkSafeBC Part 10 mandates de-energization and lockout whenever maintenance is performed or safeguarding is removed, bypassed, or circumvented.
On a manufacturing or shop floor, the program is applied by identifying every energy source, shutting the machine down in the correct sequence, isolating each source, applying the correct locks, and verifying that the equipment cannot restart before work starts. WorkSafeBC requires procedures to be available to workers who must use them. For group lockout, two qualified workers control system keys and a checklist, with each worker applying a personal lock before work begins. A BC-compliant program is a written, equipment-specific process covering shutdown, isolation, stored energy control, verification, training, and audit/review.
Is a tag alone enough?
No. In Canadian practice, tagout is the labelling component, but the energy-isolating device must still be effectively controlled; WorkSafeBC emphasizes locks and de-energization together.
When is lockout required?
When servicing or maintenance could expose workers to hazardous energy, including when safeguarding is removed, bypassed, or circumvented.
What is the key compliance test?
The equipment must be proven incapable of energizing or moving after isolation, typically by verification testing before work begins.