Project Hanford Lessons Learned

Title: Lockout Device Falls Off

Date: May 10, 2000

Identifier: 2000-RL-HNF-0016

Lessons Learned Statement:
Specific combinations of lockout devices and locks may allow the lockout devices to be removed with minimal force.

Discussion of Activities:
While performing a quarterly Lock & Tag audit at the 200 Area Effluent Treatment Facility, the Shift Technical Advisor (STA) discovered a lockout device previously installed on an electrical disconnect had come out of the lockout keyhole and was hanging from the handle of the disconnect switch.

Analysis:
The STA and the Shift Manager determined that the lockout device with the lock attached could be opened sufficiently to allow the lockout device to be removed from the electrical disconnect keyhole without excessive force. The lockout device, sometimes called a "spider", is a scissor-type with locking prongs on both ends with multiple locking holes. It is identified as Lab Safety Supply, Inc., Part #17328. See figure below. The lock that had been used had a 1/4-inch diameter shank. When this size lock is attached to the lock hole closest to the pivot point of the lockout device, the locking prongs could be opened enough to allow the lockout to be removed with minimal force. Vibration and the weight of lockout unit apparently caused the attachment device to fall off.

Recommended actions:
Combinations of locks and lockout devices that are placed on equipment should be evaluated to ensure that the combined unit cannot be easily removed.

Estimated Savings/Cost Avoidance: N/A

Priority Descriptor: BLUE/Information

Work / Function: Maintenance - Facility; Conduct of Operations - Lockout/Tagout

Hanford Functional Category: N/A

Hazard: Electrical/NEC

ISM Core Function: Develop/Implement Controls

Originator: Fluor Hanford, Inc. Submitted by Greg Millward.

Contact: Project Hanford Lessons Learned Coordinator; (509) 373-7664; FAX 376-6112; e-mail: mailto:PHMC_Lessons_Learned@rl.gov?SUBJECT=2000-RL-HNF-0016

Authorized Derivative Classifier: Not required

Reviewing Official: John Bickford

Keywords: lock and tag; attachment device; electrical disconnect

References: RL Surveillance S-00-OOD-200LWP-002

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