ADVERTORIAL
TOWARD EN 17975 COMPLIANT LOCKOUT/TAGOUT
The recent European Norm 17975 addresses ‘grey zone’ energy-related risks during machine and pipeline interventions and proposes a task-based framework for safe and efficient work. The Norm can further increase the safety and efficiency of Lockout/Tagout programmes in a wide range of industries, explains Mustafa Ekseri, EMEA Safety Engineer at Brady Corporation.
https://www.brady.co.uk/lockout-tagout?sfdc=701UK00000PjkRsYAJ&utm_source=ths&utm_medium=web-advertorial&utm_cam- paign=sfid-loto&utm_content=lotoen17975webinar&camp=display-uk-awareness-ths-lotoen17975_wadv
A TASK-BASED SAFETY FRAMEWORK
Around 10%-15% of fatal workplace accidents in Europe’s industries are related to maintenance operations, according to data from the European Agency for Safety and Health at Work. Many of these result from underestimating risks involved in specific tasks such as machine greasing, sensor adjustment or a quick cleaning that are not always seen as ‘maintenance activities’. They are kept outside the scope of Lockout/ Tagout programmes even though workers are exposed to similar risks. European Norm (EN) 17975 addresses these grey zone risks by using task-based risk analyses as a starting point.
EN 17975 does not require an energy zero state for every machine or pipeline during every intervention. Not having to halt an entire production line for every intervention can save valuable time – if it is possible in a safe way. To achieve this, EN 17975 proposes a layered approach based on risks related to specific tasks on specific machines and pipes. These risks are to be highlighted in a risk analysis. In absence of a risk analysis, machine zero energy states remain the safety standard. In that sense, EN 17975 builds on ISO 14118 by providing more options for compliance with European workplace safety legislation. Impacted activities can be defined using EN 17007 and EN 13306 and are also listed in EN 17975.”
RISK ANALYSIS GUIDANCE
With machine and pipe intervention safety hinging on identified risks, industries will need thorough task-based risk analyses. Guidance can be found in other standards. ISO 12100, primarily intended for machine builders to take into account their customers’ workplace safety, can be used as a basis for machine intervention risk analyses.
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ISO 31000 provides guidelines for managing risk in general, including eight core principles, a framework and a process.
EN 17975 proposes six steps to analyse the risk in any machine intervention task, starting with the identification of the task, all the way to a feedback loop for continuous improvement. That includes a thorough energy source inventory and identification. The standard also requires a risk analysis update before applying Standard Operating Procedures, and during maintenance activities. In addition, EN 17975 advocates clearly identified degraded situations that may deviate from the standard risk assessment.
TASK-BASED ISOLATION
EN 17975 uses a task-based risk approach that was captured earlier in the French norm X60-400. Based on a task risk analysis, the European Norm proposes four types of risk control processes:
• Neutralisation: a process that, through design of the control systems, shuts down an item of equipment so that a list of predetermined tasks can be conducted in safety.
• Standard isolation: a process that results in the removal – by locking in position a single or double isolating device – of all energies and fluids where the presence, accidental retention, unexpected appearance does not have hazardous consequences for workers, the environment, and items.
• Reinforced isolation: a process that results in the removal – by separation or by a combination of isolating and opening devices (e.g. valve, tap, etc.) – of all energies and fluids where the presence,
TOMORROW’S HEALTH & SAFETY YEARBOOK 2026/27
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