Isolation of Power

The below accident could easily have been you or someone you know and it should act as a timely reminder to us all about the importance of isolating the power before attempting any repairs or maintenance.

In mechanically powered equipment, the SAFE STOP mantra, which applies to powered machines such as tractors, telehandlers, ride on mowers and implements powered by them, which is

·         Making sure the hand brake is on

·         Making sure all controls and equipment are left safe

·         Stopping the engine

·         Removing the key

ALWAYS DO IT:

·         Before leaving the seat

·         When anyone else approaches

·         When anyone else is working on the machine

For electrically powered equipment, the use of padlocks to lock off isolation switches is key

BEFORE ANY WORK THAT REQUIRES GUARDS TO BE REMOVED TAKES PLACE, THE ELECTRICAL SUPPLY MUST BE TURNED OFF AND LOCKED OFF AT THE WALL. 

THE KEY TO THE PADLOCK USED TO LOCK OFF THE SWITCH MUST REMAIN IN THE POCKET OF THE PERSON CARRYING OUT THE WORK

If more than one person is undertaking the work, a hasp that allows multiple padlocks to be fitted would be used and each person working in the plant would have their own key in their own pocket.

Do not unlock the padlock until your part of the work is complete.

There are of course other power sources, be they hydraulic or pneumatic that must be released before work is done and stored energy (e.g. a tipped trailer) that must be isolated through physical chocking of the body before work starts.

Please ensure that your staff are aware of these issues and that they have the appropriate equipment and have been instructed when to use them.