At our facility, we utilize lockout procedures during die setup.  OSHA does
believe that the setting of a die is a "maintenance" procedure.  Due to the
fact that a press may have to be turned on and off multiple times during the
setup procedure, it is the setup person's responsibility to determine at
what times he utilizes lockout procedures.  "If in doubt, Lock it Out".  

Also, it is the setup person's responsibility to determine what energy
source that he is to lockout or not to lockout.  Ex. You may not want to
lockout the air source (pneumatic) on a mechanical press because if you do,
the brake would be released. 

Keep in mind that the purpose of Lockout Tagout procedures is to prevent
accidental startup.  There are many instances that you would not want the
machine to actuate during many particular procedures during the setup.

On a personal note, safety is a craip shoot.  Along with all the other
safety implementations, including procedures, locking out is just another
way that you put the odds in your favor.

I would advise that you use lockout procedures during a setup.

Hope this helps!

Regards,
Kent



-----Original Message-----
From: Springfield/Clark County Safety Council Discussion List
[mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Roger Sigman
Sent: Monday, September 10, 2007 8:13 AM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: OSHA Lockout/Tagout

I have a question regarding Lockout/Tagout. OSHA has aalways argued that
setting a die in a press is a maintenance function requiring that the press
be locked out. Manufacturing has agrued that a die setup is not considered
maintenance, and the setup person is protected by other safety devices on
the press.
I have heard rumors that OSHA is starting to heavily enforce this.
Has anyone had any recent experience with this?

Thanks,
Roger

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