Site operations
Reviewing isolation records before construction equipment work on construction sites
For subcontractors and safety managers: applying an isolation is only half the job. How to verify energy is actually controlled before work starts, and record it against the equipment.
By Reldro · · 1 min read
Isolation is not verification
For your subcontractor crews, use this guidance with the current work phase, trade responsibilities and approved procedures in view. Keep your safety manager involved in record reviews and follow-up. This guidance supports record keeping and coordination, not technical authorization to carry out the work.
A switched-off isolator and a lock do not prove the machine is safe. Stored energy, a second supply or the wrong isolator can all leave hazards in place.
Verify every time
Before work starts, confirm the isolation has worked.
- Identify every energy source, including stored energy
- Apply isolations and personal locks
- Attempt a safe start or test for absence of energy
- Record who verified and when
Record against the asset
Recording isolations on the equipment record helps the next team understand how the machine is isolated and spot where procedures need updating.
The takeaway
Never assume an isolation worked. Verify it, record it and remove it only by the people who applied it.