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HAZARDOUS ENERGY & ENERGY CONTROL PROGRAMS
Many people automatically think of electrical lockout/tagout when they hear the words “hazardous energy
control,” however hazardous energy is much more broadly defined. In reality, the term relates to any electrical,
mechanical, chemical, nuclear, thermal, pneumatic, hydraulic, and gravitational energy. All these forms can
exist in two states which are kinetic or acting energy and potential or stored energy. Regardless of the form,
they need to be understood and controlled.
Electrical energy is the most common form of energy encountered in the work place. It can harm people via
electric shock, secondary contact, and/or exposure to electrical arc.
Mechanical is the energy associated with the motion and position of an object. A rotating fly wheel has kinetic
mechanical energy. A spring loaded hinge that is compressed has mechanical potential or stored energy. When
release the kinetic energy may cause an injury to someone who is unaware of the danger or may have any part
of their body in proximity to the hinge or objects moved by the hinge.
Chemical energy occurs as a result of chemical reaction. Such reactions may yield extreme temperatures,
explosions or the emission of toxic and/or dangerous gases. This makes chemical energy extremely hazardous
in some cases.
Radiation or nuclear energy is derived from electromagnetic sources and it can include light, lasers, microwave,
infrared, ultraviolet, and X-rays. This type of energy may have adverse impacts, on health, ranging from
potential eye damage to cancer.
Hydraulic energy occurs in pressurized liquid. It is often used in diesel engines and machinery. Damaged
hydraulic injection systems can cause very serious injuries and even death if a stream of injection fluid is
released into your body.
Similarly, pneumatic energy occurs within pressurized air. An example of pneumatic energy would be in device
such as a power washer or air compressor.
Gravitational energy is caused by the pull of the earth on an object. The amount of energy is related to the
weight of an object and its distance from the ground. As the object falls it has kinetic energy. The kinetic energy
increases as its speed increases. Therefore, the more an object weighs and the higher its starting point, the
greater the gravitational potential or stored energy.
Being aware of the various forms of hazardous energy and having a hazardous energy control program in place
can help create a safer workplace. These programs allow the use of energy and prevent unintended releases of
stored energy. There are five key elements to a successful hazardous energy control program. They include:
information gathering; task analysis; hazard and risk analysis; implementation of job controls; and training and
education.
The first step to take when starting a hazardous energy control program involves information gathering and
identifying where energy hazards are located and the proper procedures for using, servicing, maintaining,
installing, removing and addressing any malfunctions with equipment, devices or other potential sources of
hazardous energy.
ARTICLE
HAZARDOUS ENERGY & ENERGY CONTROL PROGRAMS
The second key element of a successful hazardous energy control program includes task analysis. During this
process it is important to evaluate machine processes and set-up; programming of machinery; modes of
operation; tool changeovers; voluntary, involuntary and emergency stoppages and starts; troubleshooting; etc.
After acquiring information from the first two steps, it is necessary to perform a hazard and risk analysis to
assess the exposure level by different workers. This analysis should identify hazards and the inherent risks
associated with each hazard. It should outline all scenarios in which an employee might be exposed to a
hazard, as well.
The next component of a successful hazardous energy control program includes the implementation of job
controls to mitigate potential safety risks as identified in the previously mentioned categories.
The final element to a successful program is training. It is imperative to train staff on how the program works
and what their roles, responsibilities and expectations are. Proper communication is important!
Understanding the different forms of hazardous energy mentioned in this article, along with having a hazardous
energy control program goes a long way in preventing work place injuries and illnesses. Such programs help
create an overall safety conscious work environment, beneficial to employers and employees alike. For more
information on hazardous energy visit www.osha.gov. .
For additional help with safety and OSHA compliance, take advantage of the resources available through NECA
and NECA’s safety provider, INTEC, Inc. These resources include NECA Safety Expert System Software
eSafetyLine. This new web-based software is available from NECA online at
http://www.necanet.org/store/products/index.cfm/5119S or call contact Nancy Sipe at the Order Desk (301-2154504). The cost of $200/year (nonmember $350.) Additional technical information about the software onsite
services can be obtained by contacting Joe O’Connor at (607) 624-7159 or by email at
[email protected].