2024-09-10_MCP 00-190_Control of Hazardous Enegry Program.pdf

This is a Medical Center Policy (MCP 190) establishing a Control of Hazardous Energy (Lockout/Tagout) Program for the VA Western New York Healthcare System in Buffalo, New York, effective September 10, 2024, with recertification scheduled for September 1, 2029.

The policy establishes comprehensive lockout/tagout procedures for all employees, contractors, and vendors who construct, service, or maintain building utility systems and machines where unexpected energization could cause injury. The program covers all hazardous energy types including electrical, mechanical, pneumatic, hydraulic, chemical, and thermal sources. Key requirements include appropriate lockout device application to energy isolating devices, with tagout as a secondary measure only when lockout is not feasible. The policy mandates written approval from the Chief of Engineering for tagout-only procedures. Two primary procedures are defined: Simple Lockout (single energy source, single isolation device, not exceeding 600V, performed by qualified and authorized employees only) and Complex Lockout (multiple energy sources, crews, locations, or employers requiring documented procedures and a controlling agent). Responsibilities are assigned across multiple organizational levels, including the VA Medical Facility Director, Chief of Engineering, shop supervisors, healthcare engineers, and all affected employees. Training requirements include Control of Hazardous Energy Program training, electrical safety training per NFPA 70E, lockout/tagout procedure training, and emergency response training. The policy specifies exclusions for cord-and-plug connected equipment and certain hot tap operations on low-pressure domestic cold water systems. Annual periodic inspections of lockout procedures are required, with documentation maintained by supervisors and program administrators per OSHA 29 CFR 1910.147 and NFPA 70E standards.