When are shift change locks required, and what is their purpose?

Shift change locks are required when work must continue on locked-out equipment between shifts to ensure the safety of all personnel involved. These locks serve a critical function in maintaining a secure environment when multiple shifts are responsible for the same piece of equipment. By using shift change locks, it prevents unauthorized access to the equipment and ensures that it remains in a safe condition throughout the change in personnel. This is especially important when ongoing maintenance or repairs are being conducted, as it protects workers from potential hazards associated with unexpected equipment re-energization.

In scenarios where work isn’t continuing or where coordination isn’t necessary, such as equipment that is out of service or simply needing marking for status, the use of shift change locks may not be applicable. Consequently, this practice is focused on maintaining safety and efficiency while allowing different teams to seamlessly transition while respecting the lockout/tagout procedures.