Define isolation points for equipment to later isolate the equipment from its energy sources during a lockout/tagout procedure as part of a permit to work process. Isolating equipment from its energy sources helps to prevent further injury that may occur if the equipment or machinery is unexpectedly energized or starts up while maintenance or service work is being performed on the equipment by employees.
For example, if crews are performing maintenance on a machine, lockout/tagout safety procedures are observed which may involve isolating the machine from its power source by shutting off the power and placing a lock on the circuit breakers.
By defining isolation points, you indicate at which areas the equipment can be isolated from its energy sources to prevent injury from unexpected startup.
To define isolation points for equipment:
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Select Work > Permit to Work > Isolation Points.
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Click New Record.
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Specify this information:
Organization - Specify the organization of the isolation points.
Isolation Point - Specify a unique code identifying the isolation point, and then enter a description in the adjacent field.
If you leave Isolation Point blank, the system generates a code for you.
Equipment - Specify the equipment if the isolation point is equipment that you already maintain, e.g., a valve. The system automatically populates the description and Equipment Org.
Class - Specify the class of the isolation point, e.g. VALVE, SWITCH. The system automatically populates Class Org.
Status - Specify the status of the isolation point. The system automatically populates Unfinished.
Location - Specify the location of the isolation point. The system automatically populates Location Org.
Location Note - Specify any additional notes on the location of the isolation as necessary.
Energy Source - Select the equipment's source of energy, e.g., electrical power.
Residual Energy - Select the secondary source of residual energy to the equipment if any.
Secondary Residual Energy - Select the secondary source of residual energy to the equipment.
Date Review Required - Specify the date review of the isolation point is required.
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Optionally, select the Out of Service check box to indicate the isolation point should not display in the isolation point lookups on the LOTO tab of the Assets, Positions, Locations, and Permit to Work form.
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Click Save Record. The system automatically populates Created By and Date Created.