Types of Hazardous Energy to be Considered When Authoring a Control of Hazardous Energy (Lockout/ Tagout)

There are various types of hazardous energy. The three discussed types of hazardous energy include mechanical, electrical, and hydraulic. Electrical energy is commonly employed in a workplace. This hazardous energy can cause damages that include electrical shock, exposure to electrical arc, and secondary injury. Mechanical energy refers to energy in an item under tension. For example, a spring which is coiled or compressed will contain stored energy that is released in the movement form in expansion of spring. The mechanical energy release might result in a person being struck or crushed by the object. Hydraulic potential energy refers to energy stored in a pressurized liquid. The fluid when under pressure can be utilized to shift heavy objects, equipment, or machinery. For instance the cars breaking systems, car automotive lifts, power presses, and machines injection molding. In case the hydraulic energy is released in uncontrolled way, people might be struck or crushed by moving equipment, machinery or any other items. Hydraulic power system is considered to be more hazardous since it has secondary power component. Hydraulic energy contains stored residual energy even when disconnected from the main source. This energy is stored in liquid that remain in the system. Hazardous energyincidences happen when improper dissipating and assessing stored energy. Chemical energy refers to the energy created when a substance experiences a chemical reaction. This energy is dispersed as heat, though could be dispersed in other forms that include pressure. Explosion or fire is a common hazardous chemical reaction (Ccohs.ca, 2017).

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