ANSI/ASSE Z244-1 2016 released!

ANSI/ASSE Z244.1 2016 Edition has been released.  The standard, titled Control of Hazardous Energy Lockout/Tagout and Alternative Methods, supports the safeguarding of workers from the unexpected release of hazardous energy.  It is the industry standard that covers areas addressed in OSHA regs from 29 CFR 1910.147.  Having said that, there are differences between the standard and the regs and references in the bibliography cover those issues.

Why has the ANSI/ASSE Z244.1 been updated?  The ASSE committee for this document has been concerned that old labels for service, maintenance and operational hazardous situations was being blurred in the real world.  Expectations are no longer in line with reality.  Since the unexpected release of hazardous energy can be fatal to workers, there is a need to improve protection.

So the committee decided to update the document, particularly the requirements for alternative methods for hazardous energy control.  This in turn meant new guidelines for when lockout is required and when the alternatives might be used.  In other words, the standard now is more task driven than before.  This is in contrast with the previous reliance on the type of activity being performed.

The standard is organized in the traditional format.  It begins with the usual scope, definitions and referenced documents sections.  Section 5 covers the responsibilities of the various players: suppliers, users, and personnel.  Next the publication covers the design of machinery to support the control of hazardous energy.  Following that, there are sections on the hazardous energy control program, the control of hazardous energy, and alternative methods of control.  24 Annexes cover a wide range of topics, from risk assessment to procedures and samples.  The bibliography predominately includes related standards and regulations.

When you use the new ANSI/ASSE Z244.1, you’ll find greater clarity and direction for your goal of controlling the release of hazardous energy.  This will support your efforts to safely implement modern technology and innovative solutions to your workplace operations.  But you’ll need to get a copy of the new revision right away.

Head to Document Center Inc.’s webstore for your copy.  We are an authorized distributor of the ASSE standards, so you can search for and order them with confidence at www.document-center.com.  Here is a direct link to the order page for ANSI/ASSE Z244.1.

We have approximately 1 million standards for you to choose from.  If you need help in identifying which is right for you, just get in touch with our staff.  We can be reached by phone (650-591-7600) or email (info@document-center.com).  We have helped folks like you with both questions and procurement of standards documentation since 1982.  Our many services support your compliance requirements.  Ask us for more information and make Document Center your Standards Experts!

 

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Claudia Bach

Claudia Bach is the President of Document Center Inc. and a world-wide recognized expert on Standards and Standards Distribution. You can connect with her on Google+

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