WAC 296-803-50035   Meet these requirements when removing lockout or tagout devices and energizing the machine or equipment.  

     You must:

     • Make sure the authorized employee does the following before removing any lockout or tagout device:

     – Inspects the work area to make sure nonessential items have been removed;

     – Verifies the machine or equipment is in operating condition and ready to energize;

     AND

     – Check that employees in the area are in positions that make it safe to energize the machine or equpiment.

     • Make sure only the authorized employee who applied a lockout or tagout device removes it.

Exemption:	The employer may have the lockout or tagout device removed by someone other than the authorized employee who applied it if all of the following conditions are met:
	• The energy control program has documented, specific procedures and training for this situation.
	• You can show that the specific procedures used are as safe as having the device removed by the authorized employee who applied it.
	• The specific procedures include at least the following:
	– Verifying the authorized employee who applied the device is not at the facility.
	– Making all reasonable efforts to contact and inform the authorized employee that the lockout or tagout device is being removed.
	– Making sure the authorized employee is informed, before resuming work at the facility, that the lockout or tagout device has been removed.

     You must:

     • Do the following before energizing or starting the machine or equipment:

     – Notify affected employees that the lockout or tagout devices have been removed.



[Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, 49.17.040, 49.17.050, and 49.17.060. 04-15-105, § 296-803-50035, filed 7/20/04, effective 11/1/04.]