Lockout/Tagout Rule Clarified by OSHA

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) released a letter of interpretation and clarification on how the Lockout/Tagout Standard applies to certain printing press and binding and finishing activities. OSHA is now formally recognizing that inch-safe service can be used in conjunction with binding and finishing equipment (that meet the appropriate control systems described in ANSI B65.2). The letter also allows printers to clean blankets and other cylinders while the press is moving, without fear of a citation, as long as provided certain conditions are met.

Specifically, the guidance:

(A) recognizes that the inch-safe-service method in conjunction with appropriate machine guarding is an alternative equivalent protection to full lockout/tagout for binding and finishing equipment. This means that many set-up, adjustments, and other minor servicing and maintenance activities can be performed safely without fear of a citation. The binding and finishing equipment must meet the appropriate control systems described in ANSI B65.2.

(B) advises that a combination of machine guarding and proper cleaning practices is an acceptable alternative form of equivalent protection during the performance of blanket washing, when the press is energized or moving in "slow-run" mode.

For more information on the rule, contact one of the following individuals at the Graphic Arts Technical Foundation, (412) 741-6860: Gary A. Jones, manager of environmental health and safety affairs; or Rick Hartwig, environmental health and safety specialist.