CONTROL OF HAZARDOUS ENERGIES

By: Hazel Mae M. Campana and Darylle Hannah C. Jamero

As future chemical engineers we are potential workers on plantations. So for us to broaden

our mind in dealing with the possible hazardous events that we are going to experience, we have
made this report to understand the full importance of the practice of hazardous energy control.

This report involves:

I. Identifying Hazardous Energy

Hazardous energy is the energy stored that if released may cause a serious accident
or physical damage. It can be defined as any electrical, mechanical, gravitational, thermal,
chemical, hydraulic, pneumatic, nuclear or any other energy source in terms of machinery or
equipment that can harm people.

II. Types of Hazardous Energy

1. Electrical energy is the most common form of energy used in workplaces. It can be available
live through power lines or it can also be stored, for example, in batteries or capacitors.

2. Chemical energy is the energy released when a substance undergoes a chemical reaction. The
energy is normally released as heat, but could be released in other forms, such as pressure. A
common result of a hazardous chemical reaction is fire or explosion.

3. Kinetic energy (also known as mechanical energy) refers to the actual movement of
equipment components or materials.

4. Thermal energy can occur in high or low temperature systems.

5. Hydraulic potential energy is the energy stored within a pressurized liquid. When under
pressure, the fluid can be used to move heavy objects, machinery, or equipment.
6. Pneumatic potential energy is the energy stored within pressurized air. Like hydraulic energy,
when under pressure, air can be used to move heavy objects and power equipment.

III. Effects of Hazardous Energy

Injuries resulting from the failure to control hazardous energy during maintenance activities
can be serious or fatal. Injuries may include electrocution, burns, crushing, cutting, lacerating,
amputating, or fracturing body parts, and others.
Below are some examples of cause and effect of hazardous energy:

 A steam valve is automatically turned on burning workers who are repairing a downstream
connection in the piping.
 A jammed conveyor system suddenly releases, crushing a worker who is trying to clear the jam.
 Internal wiring on a piece of factory equipment electrically shorts, shocking worker who is
repairing the equipment.
IV. Ways to Control Hazardous Energy

Disconnecting or making safe the equipment involves the removal of all energy sources and is known
as isolation. The steps necessary to isolate equipment are often documented in an isolation
procedure. The isolation procedure generally includes the following tasks:

1. Announce shut off

2. Identify the energy source(s)
3. Isolate the energy source(s)
4. Lock and Tag the energy source(s)
 Lockout is the placement of a lock or tag on an energy-isolating device in accordance
with an established procedure.
 Tag out is a labelling process that is always used when lockout is required.

SITUATIONS REQUIRING THE USE OF LOCKOUT - TAGOUT

- When servicing, maintaining or repairing mechanical equipment where parts could

create a safety hazard.
-When working on pipelines that carry hazardous chemicals (e.g. high pressure, toxic,
corrosive, etc.).
-On electrical circuits and systems where a high risk of electrical shock exists.
-Where other hazardous energies exist that may cause injury if intentionally released
during service or maintenance.

5. Prove that the equipment isolation is effective