What are 'locked-out' procedures?

Locked-out procedures are critical safety protocols that ensure machines are completely shut off and cannot be restarted until all maintenance or repairs are finished. This approach is essential in healthcare settings where machinery may pose significant electrical hazards. By effectively locking out machines, healthcare workers can conduct maintenance safely, minimizing the risk of accidental activation, which could lead to severe injuries, electrocution, or fatalities.

These procedures typically involve placing a lock on the energy-isolating devices and tagging them to indicate that maintenance is being performed. This practice not only protects the worker conducting the maintenance but also communicates to all other staff that the equipment should not be used until it has been deemed safe to operate again. Implementing locked-out procedures is a vital component of comprehensive safety programs aimed at preventing electrocution and other injuries in the healthcare environment.