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Clearances, Switching, Tagging, & LOTO

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ABOUT THIS COURSE

This course focuses on the critical safety practices and procedures for working on de-energized electrical equipment in the utility industry.

Participants will learn about the clearance process, switching operations, proper tagging, and Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) protocols to ensure safety during maintenance or emergency work. Emphasis will be placed on regulatory compliance, hands-on exercises, and case studies involving real-world incidents, in order to provide students with the knowledge and practical skills necessary to safely and efficiently perform clearance, switching, tagging, and LOTO tasks, ensuring compliance and reducing the risk of accidents.

THIS COURSE COVERS

Overview of Electrical Clearances

  • Definition and importance of clearances in utility operations.

  • Roles and responsibilities for issuing, holding, and releasing clearances.

  • Procedures for verifying equipment is de-energized and isolated

Switching Operations

  • Types of switching orders (routine, emergency, and pre-scheduled).

  • Safe switching techniques for energizing and de-energizing equipment.

  • Communication and coordination during switching operations.

Tagging Procedures

  • Importance of proper tagging to ensure equipment is identified and isolated.

  • Understanding the different types of tags (hold, caution, danger).

  • Procedures for removing and verifying tags before re-energizing equipment.

Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) Protocol

  • OSHA regulations for LOTO (29 CFR 1910.269) in utility operations.

  • The steps for applying and verifying Lockout/Tagout on equipment.

  • Types of locks and tags used in the utility industry.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for LOTO

  • Required PPE when performing clearance, switching, and tagging tasks.

  • Inspection and maintenance of PPE before use.

Coordination and Communication

  • Importance of clear communication between operators, field workers, and dispatch.

  • Procedures for transferring control during clearance and switching operations.

  • Documentation and record-keeping for all clearance and switching activities.

Emergency Response and Incident Handling

  • Procedures for handling emergencies during clearance or switching operations.

  • Case studies of incidents involving improper LOTO or switching.

  • Steps to take when a LOTO procedure is breached.

Practical Hands-on Training

  • Simulated clearance and switching scenarios for real-world practice.

  • Hands-on exercises applying LOTO devices and tagging equipment.

  • Mock switching operations to demonstrate proper communication and safety protocols.

PLAN TRAINING FOR
YOUR CREW

LOCATION

In-Person Training at Your Location

Recommended Class Size

20-40 people

COST

$3200 per day
+ travel costs

$2900 per day
+ travel costs for 2 consecutive days in same location

$2700 per day
+ travel costs for 3+ consecutive days in same location

MEET THE TRAINERS THAT TEACH THIS COURSE

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PLAN TRAINING FOR YOUR CREW

​Fill out the request form and we'll reach out to confirm availability, discuss your group size, location, and schedule a date that works for you.

THIS COURSE

Clearances, Switching, Tagging, & LOTO

Request Training

Complete the form, and we’ll contact you to discuss scheduling and your team’s training needs.

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