Stored Energy Hazards

Overview

Stored Energy Hazards should be managed through a planned system of work: identify the task-specific hazards, eliminate exposure where practical, use engineered or collective controls before relying on PPE, verify critical safeguards before starting, and stop the task when controls are missing or conditions change. This guide applies those principles specifically to recognizing and controlling pressure, gravity, spring, thermal and mechanical stored energy.

Main Hazards

• • Pressure trapped behind valves, pistons or accumulators
• • Raised, suspended or spring-loaded components moving unexpectedly
• • Unexpected energization or start-up
• • Electric shock, arc or stored-energy release
• • Contact with moving or unguarded machine parts

Essential Controls

1. 1Identify stored-energy points during task planning and isolation design.
2. 2Bleed, discharge, lower, block, restrain or otherwise neutralize stored energy before exposure.
3. 3Identify every hazardous energy source before intervention.
4. 4Isolate, lock, release stored energy and verify a safe state before work.
5. 5Keep guards and protective devices in place unless an approved safe isolation requires removal.
6. 6Use competent persons and equipment suitable for the electrical or mechanical duty.

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