every 3 years

8 An abrasive wheel is usually defined as a wheel consisting of abrasive particles bonded together with various substances. Such wheels are tough, shock-resistant and self-dressing, and are most suited to non-precision applications, for example fettling and cutting off.

Abrasive Wheels training is a classroom-based course that ensures that you are competent and safe when using and inspecting different abrasive-wheel types.

Grinding wheels contain abrasive grains and layers of fiberglass bonded into a wheel shape by another substance. The abrasive grains act as grinding tools, removing material from a workpiece to shape and refine it. Grinding wheels are useful in many grinding and machining operations.

Grinding wheels must be inspected and “ring-tested” before they are mounted to ensure that they are free from cracks or other defects. Wheels should be tapped gently with a light, nonmetallic instrument. A stable and undamaged wheel will give a clear metallic tone or “ring.”

The various bonds used in grinding wheels or bonded abrasives are Vitrified, Resinoid, Rubber, Silicate, Shellac, Magnesite and Metal bonds. Besides holding the grains in the wheel, these bonds also help in defining the type and character of the grinding wheel.

Lock Out, Tag Out (LOTO) is a safety procedure used in industry and research settings to ensure that dangerous machines are properly shut off and not able to be started up again prior to the completion of maintenance or repair work.

Lockout means to place a lock on a device that prevents energy release. Tagout means to place a tag on a switch or other shut off device that warns not to start that piece of equipment.

Let’s look at each of these steps of LOTO safety more closely in the sections below.

• Lockout/Tagout Step 1: Preparation.
• Lockout/Tagout Step 2: Shut Down.
• Lockout/Tagout Step 3: Isolation.
• Lockout/Tagout Step 4: Lockout/Tagout.
• Lockout/Tagout Step 5: Stored Energy Check.
• Lockout/Tagout Step 6: Isolation Verification.

THE lock-out, tag-out, try-out (LOTOTO) procedure has long been considered one of the safest ways to isolate equipment prior to maintenance work or repairs taking place.

Lockout or tagout device removal: Each lockout or tagout device must be removed from the energy-isolating device by the employee who applied the device [29 CFR 1910.147(e)(3)].

Lockout Tagout is necessary – WHY ? It is the right way of performing maintenance: Before any machinery is repaired, maintained or cleaned, it must be shut down and its energy sources must always be locked out as per LOTO Procedure to ensure the safety of its employees and avoid OSHA Violations.

A lockout/tagout procedure should include the following six steps:

1. Preparation.
2. Shutdown.
3. Isolation.
4. Lockout/tagout.
5. Stored energy check.
6. Isolation verification.

An effective lockout/tagout program should include the following eight steps.

1. Step 1: Detailed procedures for equipment.
2. Step 2: Notify affected employees.
3. Step 3: Shut down equipment properly.
4. Step 4: Disconnect all primary energy sources.
5. Step 5: Address all secondary sources.
6. Step 6: Verify the lockout.

The OSHA standard for The Control of Hazardous Energy (Lockout/Tagout) (29 CFR 1910.147) for general industry outlines measures for controlling different types of hazardous energy. The LOTO standard establishes the employer’s responsibility to protect workers from hazardous energy.

Lockout Tagout Procedure in 8 Simple Steps

1. Find the procedure to be used.
2. Notify anyone affected by the lockout tagout.
3. Locate all listed energy sources.
4. Shut down the machine or equipment.
5. Lockout and tag all energy isolating devices.
6. Release any stored energy (steam, hydraulic, etc.).
7. Operate controls to test disconnects.
8. Return controls to off position.

1. Prepare for shutdown.
2. Shut down the machine(s) or equipment.
3. Disconnect the energy isolating device(s).
4. Apply the lockout or tagout device(s).
5. Render all stored and/or residual energy safe.
6. Verify the isolation and deenergization of the machine or equipment prior to starting work.

A lockout station has keyed locks to be used only for equipment lockout. It also contains tags and lockout devices. Locks have one key that is kept with the installer of the lock. Once the work procedure is completed, the lock and key should be returned to the lockout station.

Follow the given steps and perform LOTO consistently and properly.

1. 1: Evaluate and Plan.
2. 2: Equipment Appraisal.
3. 3: Machine Specific Procedures.
4. 4: Assessment of isolation devices.
5. 5: Procedure awareness & Training.
6. 6: Implementation.
7. 7: Review your program regularly.

To “Lockout” means to neutralise all energies on a vehicle or equipment while performing maintenance/inspection. This is required for inspection on electrically powered equipment or machinery and also in the event of a break down, refuelling or while the vehicle remains in a parked area.

1. Understand Where Lockout/Tagout Fits in.
2. Understand the ‘Minor Tool Changes and.
3. Write Machine-Specific Procedures.
4. Identify All Hazardous Energy Sources.
5. Control All Hazardous Energy Sources.
6. Always Verify the Lockout.
7. Protect All Workers.
8. Protect Workers at All Times.

LOTO: Lock out and Tag Out LOCK OUT TAG OUT: Lockout is defined as the “Control of Hazardous Energy – In practice, lockout is the isolation of energy from the system (a machine, equipment, or process) which physically locks the system in a safe mode.

Safety tags are used to prevent accidents in hazardous or potentially hazardous situations that are out of the ordinary, unexpected, or not readily apparent. Tags shall be used until the identified hazard is eliminated or the hazardous operation is completed.

Three types of lockout devices will help ensure the energy isolation and lockout that are needed in every facility.

1. Authorized employees. As a general rule, this group might include your electricians, maintenance personnel, and some machine operators. These workers are the only ones allowed by OSHA to perform LOTO.