What are the six steps in the USAF lockout and tagout program?

1. Notify - Notify the machinery and equipment owner/operator of the upcoming work to be performed. If there is a question about who the affected workers are, the authorized worker shall notify the machinery and equipment owner/operator. In all other cases, the authorized worker must notify affected employees.

2. Shut Down - If the machine or equipment is operating, shut it down by the normal stopping/sequential procedure (depress stop button, open toggle switch, etc.).

3. Isolate / Relieve Energy Sources - Operate the switch, valve, or other energy isolating devices so the equipment is isolated from its energy sources. Dissipate or restrain stored energy (such as that in springs, elevated machine members, rotating flywheels, hydraulic systems, and air, gas, steam, or water pressure, etc.) by methods such as repositioning, blocking, bleeding down, etc.

4. Lockout - Lockout or tagout the energy isolating devices with assigned individual locks or tags (methods selected; i.e., locks, tags, additional safety measures, etc.).

5. Verify - After ensuring that no personnel are exposed, and as a check on having disconnected the energy sources, operate the push button or other normal operating controls to make certain the equipment will not operate (types of equipment checked to ensure disconnection). CAUTION: Return operating controls to "off" or "neutral" position after the test.

6. Perform - The equipment is now locked out or tagged out and service work can be performed.