Lockout/Tagout (LOTTO)

When discussing “lockout” in the context of volunteer fire departments in Nova Scotia, it’s essential to understand that it refers to “lockout/tagout” (LOTO) procedures related to occupational health and safety, not a labor dispute. Here’s a breakdown:

  • Lockout/Tagout (LOTO):

    • This is a safety procedure used to ensure that dangerous machines or equipment are properly shut off and not able to be started up again before maintenance or servicing work is completed.
    • In a fire department setting, this could apply to various pieces of equipment, such as pumps, generators, or other machinery.
    • The goal is to prevent accidental energization or startup of equipment that could cause injury.
  • Nova Scotia Regulations:

    • Nova Scotia has specific occupational health and safety regulations regarding lockout/tagout procedures.
    • These regulations are designed to protect workers, including volunteer firefighters, from hazardous energy.
    • These regulations are found within the Occupational Health and Safety Act (S.N.S. 1996, c. 7) and the Occupational Safety General Regulations (N.S. Reg. 44/99).
  • Volunteer Fire Departments:

    • Volunteer fire departments in Nova Scotia, like other workplaces, are required to adhere to these safety regulations.
    • This means that they must have procedures in place to properly lock out and tag out equipment before maintenance or servicing is performed.
    • Training is a large part of this, to ensure all members understand the procedures and risks.

Key points from the search results:

Therefore, when you see “lockout” in this context, it’s referring to a critical safety procedure, not a labor action.