Dissipation

In this step, an authorized employee must ensure that all stored energy in a device or system of devices has been released or otherwise dissipated, so as to no longer pose a hazard to individuals.

Each workplace should have site-specific procedures to eliminate stored or residual energy. The following are generalized examples of how best to dissipate stored or residual energy:

Electrical energy - To find a specific method for discharging a capacitor that is part of the system being serviced or repaired, contact the manufacturer for safe guidance. Many systems with electrical components, motors, or switch gears contain capacitors, which store electrical energy. In some devices, capacitors hold a charge to rapidly release energy (such as the flash of a cell phone camera). In other cases, capacitors are used to remove spikes and surges of energy in order to protect other electrical components in the system. Capacitors must be fully discharged in the lockout process in order to protect workers from electrical shock.

Hydraulic and pneumatic energy - Setting the valves in the CLOSED position and locking them in place only isolates the lines from more energy entering the system. In most cases, there will still be residual energy left in the lines as pressurized fluid. This residual energy can be removed by bleeding the lines through pressure relief valves. If no pressure relief valves are available, contact the manufacturer for more specific details on what other methods are available before proceeding.

Mechanical potential energy - Carefully release energy from springs that may still be compressed. If this is not possible, use blocks to hold the parts that may move if the energy is released.

Gravitational potential energy - If it is reasonable to do so, lower the device or part of the system to a height where falling is impossible. If this is not possible, contact the manufacturer for guidance on how to safely proceed.

Chemical energy - If possible, bleed the supply lines, cap ends, or both, to completely remove chemicals from the system.

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