Property Damage (Fire / Explosion)
- A release of hazardous material during a task requiring Lock-Out/Tag-Out can cause property damage if released materials are flammable, combustible, corrosive, or toxic. Depending on the surrounding area, the released material may find an ignition source and cause a fire or an explosion. It could also damage other equipment or require specialized cleaning and removal. A release can happen if the equipment being worked on is not isolated properly and chemical energy is released unexpectedly.
Personal Injury (Safety / Human Health)
- Lock-Out/Tag-Out if not done properly, can lead to release of hazardous materials (chemical and thermal energy) and personnel exposure with serious injuries or fatalities
- Exposure to corrosive materials (i.e., acids or caustic) causing chemical burns
- Exposure to toxic materials (i.e., benzene, hydrogen sulfide, phenol)
- Exposure to hot materials (i.e., steam) causing thermal burns
- Release of material under pressure
- Exposure to oxygen-deficient or asphyxiating atmospheres
- Release of flammable materials
- Personnel can also sustain serious injury or fatality due to being struck or caught by moving equipment or being caught in moving equipment that is not properly de-energized. Examples include:
- Serious injury or fatality may result from being caught in rotating equipment or from working on improperly de-energized electrical equipment.
Chemical Release / Environmental Impact (On-Site)
In addition to the Property Damage and Personal Injury consequences stated above, facilities must also consider the potential for escalation that could result in on-site environmental damage.
- Environmental damage due to releases to the air, soil, or bodies of water resulting from work activities where lines or equipment were not properly isolated (locked-out/tagged-out).
Chemical Release / Environmental Impact (Off-Site)
In addition to the Property Damage and Personal Injury consequences stated above, facilities must also consider the potential for escalation that could result in environmental damage occurring off-site.
- Environmental damage due to releases to the air, soil, or bodies of water resulting from work activities where lines or equipment were not properly isolated (locked-out/tagged-out).