The American Society of Safety Engineers recently announced the release of a revised standard for construction safety.

A10.44-2006, “control of energy sources (lockout/tagout) for construction and demolition operations,” recognizes the need for protection of personnel and property from injury due to unexpected startup or release of stored energy in equipment. This is a common problem during equipment repair, maintenance, operation, installation and other activities that involve machines.

The standard is part of a series that focuses on construction and demolition operations. It was approved by the American National Standards Institute on Aug. 29. The newly revised edition establishes the minimum requirements needed to control and prevent the release of energy sources that could cause injury to property or personnel. The ASSE serves as the secretariat for the standard and the others in its series.

“The A10.44 standard is integral in providing safety requirements for the protection of individuals working in, on or around machines or equipment that may release energy unexpectedly, causing injury or illness,” says James Brown, ASSE A10.44 subcommittee chairman.

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