What should an employee do if they find a piece of equipment without a lock/tag during maintenance?

When an employee finds a piece of equipment that does not have a lock or tag during maintenance, the most appropriate action is to notify a supervisor and halt work. This response is critically important because a lockout/tagout (LOTO) system is designed to ensure that machines are properly shut off and unable to be started up again before maintenance or servicing is completed.

Without a lock or tag, there is no indication that the equipment has been isolated from its energy source, and it could represent a serious safety hazard. By stopping work and informing a supervisor, the employee helps maintain a safe working environment, allowing the supervisor to assess the situation, ensure that proper protocols are followed, and react accordingly. This action promotes a culture of safety, where potential risks are addressed before they can lead to an accident or injury.

Taking any other actions, such as continuing to work or assuming equipment is safe, could expose employees to unnecessary dangers. It is essential for all team members to adhere strictly to safety procedures, which include confirming the status of locks and tags before engaging with any equipment.