Coordinating Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) with Contractors
The Problem
Working on shared machinery with contractors or workers from another business creates serious risks if lockout/tagout (LOTO) procedures are not properly coordinated. Miscommunication, assumptions, or a lack of planning can lead to hazardous situations such as the unexpected release of energy, resulting in injury or fatality. Today, we’ll explore how to coordinate LOTO procedures effectively to eliminate these risks.
Identify the Hazards
The Danger of Miscommunication:
- Workers may assume a hazardous energy source has been isolated when it hasn’t.
- Contractors may rely on the host employer (Person Conducting a Business or Undertaking - PCBU) to perform critical safety tasks, leading to gaps in the process.
Examples of Risks:
- Residual pressure in a vessel that wasn’t bled off.
- Workers unknowingly reactivating equipment while others are still performing maintenance.
Key Issue:
- A lack of coordination increases the likelihood of serious injuries from unexpected energy releases.
Safety Practices and Preventative Measures
1. Notify Supervisors Before Work Begins:
Always inform your supervisor or health and safety representative when contractors or workers from another business are involved in servicing shared equipment.
2. Coordinate LOTO Procedures:
Hold a pre-start meeting or review written LOTO procedures from all parties to ensure alignment. Confirm that everyone understands the sequence of tasks, controls, and responsibilities.
3. Clarify Roles and Responsibilities:
Identify who is responsible for each step of the LOTO process (e.g., isolating energy sources, bleeding pressure). Ensure all workers, including contractors, know their role and agree on responsibilities.
4. Verify All Safety Steps Are Completed:
Always verify that LOTO actions have been fully implemented before beginning work. Confirm all energy sources are isolated and residual energy safely released.
5. Communicate Continuously During Work:
Maintain ongoing communication throughout the job to ensure no steps are missed. Update all parties if there are changes in procedures or working conditions.
Real-Life Case or Scenario
A contractor assumed the host PCBU had bled off pressure from a vessel. The host worker assumed the contractor would take care of it. As a result, the pressure wasn’t released, and when the equipment was opened, it nearly caused serious injury. This confusion could have been prevented by coordinating responsibilities in a pre-job briefing.
Employee Responsibilities
- Notify your supervisor about any work involving contractors or other PCBUs.
- Take part in coordination meetings or review procedures before starting work.
- Verify that all LOTO steps are completed before starting your task.
- Never assume someone else has handled a critical safety step—confirm it yourself.
Employer Responsibilities
- Provide clear and documented LOTO procedures for all equipment involving shared access.
- Facilitate coordination meetings or toolbox talks before work begins.
- Ensure all parties, including contractors, understand their responsibilities in the LOTO process.
- Verify that all LOTO actions are completed and monitored before authorizing work to proceed.
Discussion & Questions
- “Have you had to coordinate LOTO procedures with contractors before? How did you ensure safety was managed?”
- “What challenges have you faced when working on shared equipment?”
Encourage everyone to share lessons learned and how coordination could be improved.
Commitment/Action Plan
Let’s commit to making coordination a routine part of any shared task. Starting today, notify your supervisor of any joint operations and take an active role in pre-start coordination to ensure safe and aligned lockout procedures.
Wrap-Up
Proper coordination during lockout/tagout is more than a good practice—it’s a critical safeguard. Through communication, shared planning, and mutual understanding, we can prevent accidents and protect everyone on-site. Thank you for putting safety first.
Standards Overview
Under CCOHS guidance and Canadian workplace safety legislation, employers must consult, coordinate, and cooperate when multiple parties are involved in workplace operations.
- Energy isolation procedures must be documented, communicated, and understood by all involved.
- Clear allocation of duties is required when coordinating health and safety activities across businesses or contractors.
Disclaimer
“The information provided in this toolbox talk is intended for informational and educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional legal, safety, or regulatory advice. The content reflects general best practices and industry standards but may not be applicable to all workplace environments or jurisdictions.
It is the responsibility of employers, supervisors, and workers to ensure compliance with applicable federal, provincial, and territorial laws, regulations, and standards, including but not limited to those set by the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS) and relevant provincial occupational health and safety authorities. Site App Pro, its affiliates, agents, or representatives—as well as the authors, presenters, and distributors of this toolbox talk—assume no liability for the use or application of the information provided.
Participants are strongly encouraged to consult appropriate legal, safety, or regulatory professionals regarding specific workplace concerns or questions. Always adhere to your organisation’s policies and procedures for health and safety and hazard management.
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