Navigation

We have an existing lockout program and we’ve done written procedures so do I need it?  Respectfully, if OSHA were investigating right now, are you certain you can show the investigator a particular procedure already written for the air conditioner for this office listing what breaker number controls it?  For the forklift I see in your plant?  A unique written procedure for the air compressor?  If not, you can benefit from Lockout/Tagout Procedure WriterÓ.

Can I get a trial copy?  The software license agreement provides a money-back guarantee if you are unsatisfied within 30 days.  Try it!  You’ll like it.  A trial version is available to test for a short period of time.  See trial version.

Which version do I need?  The Lite version is an economical application but it cannot be used for more than one location/building/department.  You will want the more powerful Professional version if you want to sort or select machinery procedures by department or other operations and add machinery photos to the reports.  This is all the more important in future years when it is necessary to update or inspect the procedures for the machines.  The Paramount version is for complex organizations with a need to install the software on a server for concurrent use by multiple users or assign out procedure writing tasks to more than one person.

I don’t have much computer skill.  I don’t believe I can use database software.  Although the software is a database application, the use is more like data entry with pull-down selections and fields that clarify the entry.

Too expensive.  There are only a very few software comparables and they do not begin to provide the ease, resources, and year-after-year benefits of this software.  Your time savings will more than pay for the purchase price.

What is the return policy?  The purchasing licensed provides for a 30 day satisfaction or money back warranty.

Too busy.  Have you ever personally tried to write a machine-specific lockout/tagout procedure?  You know it is very time consuming and technical.  This software relieves a considerable burden.  If you are already busy, you must have this.

This task is overwhelming.  The worksheets can be assigned out to maintenance or operations personnel with the handwritten information returned.  Similarly, the annual lockout procedures inspection worksheet will allow you to assign out the field information gathering.  It is well for the person primarily responsible for procedure writing to do a trial of a few machines and data entry in order to adequately instruct the field information gathering.

What technical support is available?  The software comes with detailed installation instructions specific to your type of system.  There is a searchable HELP file integrated into the software.  The HELP file also instructs on shortcuts and methods of use.  If more help is needed, questions can be left on the answering machine or faxed to support.  Also, version 3 has a comprehensive Tutorial to help understand the process further.

How does the software print the procedures?  The software is designed to print on standard 8.5 by 11 in., 20 lb. paper using a standard sheet-fed laser or bubble-jet printer.  There is no need to purchase special hardware or supplies.

What are the templates?  The templates or patterns make this software quick and usable for everyone.  1) There are about 50 templates or patterns that the user may select, according to the energy hazards involved, i.e. electromechanical with hydraulic, pneumatic and gravity hazards, or battery-powered forklift, or electromechanical with residual energy, etc.  Cloning the pattern/template requires the user only to assign it to a location/department, enter its unique control location, and you are done.  It will have all the lockout step-by-step procedures, all the service step-by-step procedures, and all the returning to production step-by-step procedures, identified energy sources, etc.  2) Clicking on the energy type link and about 40 energy types such as ionization, hot surfaces, flammable liquid, negative air pressure, steam, etc. pop up for selection. 3) Clicking on the control types brings up about 70 control types such as constant pressure switch, cord and plug, dial speed control, crank, emergency stop button, keyboard, joystick, Wobblestick, IEC disconnect, flange-handle disconnect, etc. for selection.  All are customizable but the defaults educate and facilitate the user.

What is cloning?  This is a powerful feature of the software.  For similar machines, the user selects the master machine, clicks on the clone button and then changes the unique information, such as the breaker number.  You are then done in seconds.  In a few more seconds you use a clone for unique information about another plant, building, location, department, etc. for example for an air compressor, swamp cooler, air conditioner, forklift, etc.

Can photos be used with the software?  Yes.  Version 3, both the Professional and Paramount licenses allow this.  Just link to a photo file on your computer and link it to the report.  You can preview the photo(s) before printing.

Other LOTO software produce cards or tags-are procedures in a binder OK?  The regulatory agencies do not prescribe the method of generating the procedures, only that they be in writing.  Tags or cards on a machine may seem simple but fool the user into thinking only major machinery need procedures.  This is far from the truth.  See the next comment for the extent of procedures.  You will see that hanging a card/tag on a machine will not do for much of the machinery/equipment needing procedures.

What machines or equipment need separate written step-by-step procedures?  Unlike ANSI standards or even the enforcement practices of Fed/OSHA, the Cal/OSHA requirement at 8 CCR § 3314(g)(2)(A) is for each machine and piece of equipment.  Although not defined in the regulations, equipment has been interpreted by the Appeals Board as items with fixed asset value therefore mobile equipment such as forklifts, sweepers, aerial lifts, etc. are included.  You need separate procedures for each of your forklifts, even if you have an outside company service the forklifts since merely slipping on an extension on the forks involves the exposure of crushing/pinching to the fingers of your worker.  Where are you going to hang a procedure on the forklift?  In a problematic Decision After Reconsideration, the Appeals Board found in LA County Internal Services vs. DOSH, Docket No. 03-R4D3-4600, that the employer was in violation for not having a written LOTO procedure for servicing the spray paint gun.  Where are you going to hang a written procedure on a spray paint gun, grinder, portable drill, etc.?  The requirement for each machine includes facilities machines such as sump pumps, evaporative coolers, air conditioners.  Are you going to hang the procedure at the thermostat, the breaker, or the equipment on the roof, etc.  This may not make much sense. 

What equipment does not need written specific step-by-step procedures?  The only exception to specific written procedures is for electrical-only equipment such as transformers, electrical receptacles, light fixtures, etc.

Do I need procedures for SERVICE in addition to lockout and return to production?  Most all LOTO-related accidents happen during servicing, such as unjamming a machine.  People often use their hands to reach to remove trash or damaged items or to straighten items on conveyors or in the machine.  Padlocks are not used in these situations but extension tools should be.  You need software that writes service procedures without locking out and I have not found that in any other commercially-available software writes step-by-step service procedures.

I may need more than the usual help.  Ensign is available at a consulting fee for training the users of the system or in lockout-related matters or in customization.

What is the Tutorial?  The Tutorial is a visual presentation of 5 modules: Preparation, Information Gathering, Writing Procedures, Binder Production, and Annual Inspection.  These tasks can be assigned out to different individuals and the Tutorial teaches each their particular duties.

What is the training included in the software?  The LOTO training is for program administrators, supervisors and workers in lockout/tagout procedures.  There is an outline for each of the presentations as well as planning/preparation for the instructor.  There is a record form to document training.  There is a quiz with an answer key to validate the effectiveness of the training. 

Can I charge the purchase?  We are unable to process credit card sales at this time.  Payment can be either by check or your will be invoiced.

Can the software be loaded onto more than one computer?  The Light and Professional licenses allows it to be loaded on one stand-alone computers.  It can be loaded on your company’s subsidiaries but not for a trade organization.  The Paramount version is installed on a LAN server with a license for up to 5 writers managing the data.  An additional package of 5 more writers is available for a discount when ordered at the same time.  There can be unlimited numbers of readers to view and print data and reports.

Can the software be loaded on our organization’s server?  Yes.  The Paramount version is set up for this. 

Can the lockout/tagout procedure software be integrated with our other software?  Very likely, for example it may be integrated with your human resources or machinery preventative maintenance software.  There may be a need for customization at Ensign’s hourly fee rate.

Can this software be used on a Macintosh computer?  No.

What about upgrades or future versions?  Purchasers will be notified of future versions, for example, a Spanish version may be made possible.  You can send in your suggestions for improvements or concerns.  This software is ahead of the competition and intends to stay that way.  Competitive software mainly writes elaborate tags and does nothing to help with the annual procedure inspection requirement.

Will the procedures be OSHA-compliant?  Although there are templates with suggested steps depending on the particular energy hazards, ultimately the procedures are customizable so you can adapt them further to your operation or use your judgment in the step text.  OSHA is not in the business of approving such systems but they are aware of this software and have been impressed and have not expressed any objections or concerns.

Will I be able to print my procedures in Spanish?  Yes.  Version 3 HELP file will provide the instructions on translating to many languages.

What is magnitude?  The use of energy magnitude is a provision of the ANSI lockout standard.  Magnitude is the power of the energy, such as 110 volts, 220 volts, 2,000 pounds per square inch, 25 horsepower, etc.  Version 3 handles this nicely.

Is it necessary to track accidents by machine?  OSHA has a requirement allowing grouping machines with like controls, single-energy source, etc. as long as there have been no loto accidents with the machine.  Version 3 handles this nicely and will even print out all loto accidents in the system according to the entity selected.  Of course, the OSHA standard does not describe the severity of the accident.  29 CFR 1910.147(c)(4)(i) exception (8) and ANSI standards provide for the accident history although there is no such Cal/OSHA counterpart regulation.

How does Lockout/Tagout Procedure Writer compare with other competitor software?  We believe that our software is unique in its power and features and therefore is slightly pricier than most others.  For the time saved and looking at this software that serves well beyond the initial data entry the price is very reasonable.  We have compared ours with others and can discuss our findings, if asked.