Safety Alert: Lock-Out Gate Securement. Could it happen to you?

Safety Alert: Lock-Out Gate Securement

Could it happen to you?

DESCRIPTION OF EVENT 

Every gate that accesses a lockout area must have signage indicating it is a lockout area. It must also be secured and require a tool to open the gate. The gate is considered a safeguard and guards must be secured requiring a tool to open or remove. The photos illustrate examples of non-compliance and approved compliance in two different ways. 

3 SUGGESTED ACTIONS 

• Audit all lockout area gates for compliance, noting any non-compliant gates (i.e., those lacking proper signage and requiring a tool for opening). 
• Develop a plan to address access gate issues in lockout areas. 
• Revise workplace inspection programs to include checking access gates to lockout areas for compliance.

MOST IMPORTANT TAKE AWAY 

Regularly review all locked-out areas to ensure that gates are compliant.

This safety alert was provided by B.C. Forest Safety Lock-Out Gate Securement (bcforestsafe.org)