Purpose
This policy establishes safe and consistent procedures for isolating and disabling equipment at Dallas Makerspace when it is unsafe, malfunctioning, or otherwise requires restricted use. Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) ensures that energy sources are properly isolated before maintenance, repair, or evaluation, and that equipment is not used until cleared.
Scope
This policy applies to all members, committees, Board Members, and Officers who interact with powered equipment at DMS. It covers electrical, mechanical, pneumatic, and other forms of hazardous energy.
Definitions
Red Hatting – A committee-level action marking a piece of equipment as unsafe or not available for use. This does not physically isolate power but serves as a visible marker to members.
Lockout – Physically securing the energy source (e.g., electrical plug, breaker, valve) using a lock so the equipment cannot be operated.
Tagout – Applying a visible tag (or equivalent notice) indicating that the equipment is locked out or unavailable for use.
Logistics Team – The group responsible for facilities management and lock inventory.
Committee – The equipment-owning or responsible group within the makerspace.
Policy Statements
1. Committee Authority
Committees may red hat equipment at their discretion to immediately signal that it should not be used.
Committees may also request a lock from Logistics to fully isolate the energy source if required (Locks are in the North Warehouse Electrical Room, Keys are in the Infrastructure Office)
In an emergency, if access to the Infrastructure Office is unavailable, a zip tie may be used to secure the energy source closed as a temporary measure until a proper lock can be applied.
2. Removing Committee Locks
If a committee requested and placed a lock, that committee may remove it once the issue has been resolved.
Alternatively, Logistics may remove the lock upon verification with the committee that the issue is addressed.
3. Locks Applied by Logistics
If Logistics applies a lockout/tagout directly (without committee request), the lock may only be removed by:
The person who placed the lock, or
The Chief Operating Officer (COO) of the makerspace.
4. Member Responsibilities
Members must not attempt to bypass, remove, or tamper with any red hat, tag, zip tie, or lock applied to equipment.
Members who discover unsafe conditions should immediately notify the responsible committee or the Logistics team.
5. Documentation
All lockout/tagout actions (whether by committee or Logistics) must be logged in the makerspace’s facilities tracking system (or logbook), including:
Equipment name and location
Reason for lockout/tagout
Date/time applied
Person/committee responsible
Clearance details when removed
Enforcement
Failure to comply with this policy may result in disciplinary action, up to and including suspension of makerspace privileges. Lockout/tagout is a core safety measure, and all members are expected to respect and uphold it.
