Lockout / Tagout - Ohio Bureau of Workers' Compensation

Question:
Reply:
Would interlocking the wheel guard with the grinding wheel motor so
that the motor could not start up while the guard is removed preclude the
need for locking/tagging out during grinding wheel change out?
No. The use of interlocked guards to prevent activation of the machine
while the guard is not in place, in lieu of lockout or tagout, is permissible
only for minor servicing activities which take place during normal
production operations. In your scenario, the wheel change takes place
outside of the normal production process: the machine is turned off,
grinding operations stop, a guard is removed, and the wheel retainer nut is
loosened and removed. Therefore, the 1910.147(a)(2)(ii) minor servicing
exception does not apply and interlocked guards are no substitute for
implementing the lockout or tagout devices according to this standard. We
recognize that the energy source for the grinder is under the immediate
control of the person performing the service. Although this would limit the
risk of an unexpected activation of the grinder, it cannot remove it entirely.
In the event your grinder's power source is a flexible cord, then the lockout or
tagout of the grinders is not required if the provisions of 1910.147(a)(2)(iii)(A) are
met for cord and plug connected equipment. The exemption is predicated on the
assumption that the use of the flexible cord is approved and suitable for the
conditions of use and location as detailed in 1910.305(g).
We appreciate your interest in worker safety and health. If we can be of further
assistance, please contact the Office of General Industry Compliance
Assistance, Mr. Walter R. Siegfried, CSP, on (202) 219-8031, extension 115.
Sincerely,
Richard Fairfax, Acting Director
Directorate of Compliance Programs
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