Product Overview

This Lockout Tagout Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS) provides a structured process to safely isolate, lock, tag and verify energy sources to prevent accidental start-up and exposure to hazardous energy. It is a comprehensive, pre-filled and fully editable document that covers multiple aspects of Lockout Tagout procedures and WHS compliance for electrical, mechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic and other energy systems.

Activities & Specific Tasks Covered

This document includes specific risk controls for:

• Correctly applying lockout tagout (LOTO) procedures to plant, equipment and electrical systems before work commences
• Electrical isolation, lockout, test and tag processes prior to maintenance, fault-finding or repair work
• Emergency lockout response when unsafe conditions, damaged equipment or uncontrolled energy sources are identified
• Energy control planning and step-by-step lockout procedures for electrical, mechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic and stored energy
• Managing the risk of failure to isolate live electrical equipment, including verification of de-energisation
• Implementing lockout tagout systems using approved locks, tags, hasps and isolation devices
• Implementing energy isolations on valves, switches, breakers and other isolation points as per site procedures
• Applying and documenting lock out tag out procedures for single and multiple workers (group lockout)
• Identifying, isolating and locking all relevant energy sources prior to servicing or maintenance
• Isolating equipment for maintenance, cleaning and inspection to prevent unexpected start-up or movement
• Lockout tagout procedures for electricity, including testing for dead and proving test instruments
• Managing maintenance tasks on machinery that are not isolated, including stop-work and escalation requirements
• Performing lockout procedures during commissioning, decommissioning and plant changeovers
• Control of stored and residual energy (e.g. capacitors, pressure lines, gravity, tensioned components)
• Communication, handover and removal of locks and tags, including shift change and re-energisation checks

Who is this for?

This SWMS is designed for electricians, maintenance technicians, mechanical fitters, plant operators, manufacturing and processing facilities, and site supervisors responsible for managing lockout tagout and energy isolation on Australian worksites.

Specific Job Steps & Hazards Covered

Legislation & References

This document was researched and developed to align with:

• Safe Work Australia – Managing Risks of Plant in the Workplace Code of Practice: Guidance on controlling risks associated with the use and maintenance of plant, including isolation procedures.
• Safe Work Australia – Managing Electrical Risks in the Workplace Code of Practice: Requirements and controls for electrical isolation, testing and work on or near electrical equipment.
• Safe Work Australia – How to Manage Work Health and Safety Risks Code of Practice: Risk management framework used to identify, assess and control lockout tagout hazards.
• Safe Work Australia – Work Health and Safety Consultation, Cooperation and Coordination Code of Practice: Consultation requirements for developing and implementing LOTO procedures.
• AS/NZS 3000:2018 Electrical Installations (Wiring Rules): Key reference for safe electrical installation, isolation and verification practices.
• AS 4024.1 Safety of Machinery (series): Guidance on machinery safety, guarding and isolation of hazardous energy sources.
• Work Health and Safety Act 2011
• Work Health and Safety Regulations 2017