A big drawback to lockout/tagout is the time required to identify all of the energy sources for a given job. And such identification is sometimes incomplete, decreasing safety.
But it doesn't have to be this way. It's this way because typically the identification process is a duplication of labor. Each time some equipment is worked on, the person doing that work repeats the identification process as if it's never been done before. Doing custom work for a repeated output is costly and increases the chance of error.
Barcode or Q-code every asset, so a worker can scan the code and read on his phone or other device a list of energy sources to lock out (and where they are). Such a system is easy to implement. When equipment is locked out for the first time, perform a thorough review to ensure accuracy and completeness. Then enter the information into the computerized maintenance management system (CMMS).
If equipment is modified, tag the lockout/tagout information “incomplete” and schedule a review; update as needed.
