Why is Lockout/Tagout Crucial in Demolition?

OSHA sets the standards for The Control of Hazardous Energy, or Lockout/Tagout (LOTO), in 29 CFR 1910.147. This regulation puts into place safety procedures in the workplace to ensure that dangerous or hazardous machinery is properly shut down. In addition, this machinery cannot be restarted prior to servicing or maintenance work. This requires that the energy sources be isolated thereby rendering the equipment and machinery inoperable. These standards are especially important during a demolition.

Lockout/Tagout in Demolition Ensures Safety

LOTO is a key procedure to protect personnel from unexpected startup or energization of machinery, including the release of hazardous energy during activities such as demolition, installation, or routine maintenance. Hazardous energy includes electrical, chemical, mechanical (gravitational, rotational), pressure, vacuum (pneumatic, hydraulic), thermal, and other energies that could cause harm. These procedures apply to fixed, permanently installed, portable, and temporarily installed equipment.

This critical procedure protects against the serious physical injuries that could occur when a hazardous piece of equipment suddenly starts up. These injuries include:

• Shock and electrocution
• Burns
• Cuts and slices
• Pinching and Crushing
• Death

SV Demolition Safeguards Workers and Properties

Safeguarding workers, utilities, and adjacent properties is a top priority as SV Demolition. Demolition activities can range from remodeling an area within a building to dismantling an entire structure and this can consist of multiple tasks that are hazardous by nature. One of those crucial tasks is shutting off, capping, or controlling all electricity, gas, steam, water, sewer, and other services, and this must be done with strict accountability from beginning to end. If power, water, or other utilities must remain on during demolition, these lines need to be temporarily relocated and/or protected. The location of any overhead power source must also be considered carefully because they can be particularly dangerous in a demolition.

Isolating Energy Sources

As a key step in preparing a building for demolition, all hazardous energy sources must be isolated to prevent injuries. The sources must be isolated and then locked with a tag on the lock. This tag identifies the worker who placed the lock and tag, and that individual holds the key. When completed properly, this prevents any machinery or equipment left on site from sudden startup during a demolition.

When preparing a site for demolition, SV Demolition works closely with the building owners to ensure that all LOTO procedures have been followed. We never assume that each step has been carefully completed, rather we see ourselves as apartner to ensure that all personnel are safe. This takes a comprehensive knowledge of and appreciation for the applicable OSHA regulations.

SV Demolition has the skills, knowledge, and experience to ensure that all safety standards are met and exceeded. Contact us today to learn how we can assist with OSHA requirements on your demolition projects.