All sources of potential energy shall be controlled during the servicing and maintenance of machines and equipment.  The unexpected startup or release of stored energy can result in serious injury or death to workers.  Energy sources to consider include, but are not limited to, electrical, mechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic, chemical, thermal, gravitational, and/or other potential sources of energy in machinery/equipment. 

Please use this page as a resource for information regarding HEC, as the entire Air Force pursues the QUEST FOR ZERO preventable mishaps!

 Since January 2014, Air Force members have suffered amputations in four separate mishaps, including three at one installation and two within the past six months at stated installation. These injuries constitute a trend in the wrong direction. Workplace amputations result in mission degradation, i.e., lost workdays, less manning for the affected shop that may already be operating at 75 or 80 percent manning – as well as a member losing a body part."

- Every Body Part Counts, Brian Dye CSP, CIH and Mary Circe

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One of the leading causes of mishaps involving improper Hazardous Energy Control (HEC) procedures, is failure to control secondary energy sources. 

Examples: 

• An electrically powered exhaust fan system, electrical energy is locked and tagged out however, the fan is not blocked to prevent movement from the wind. 

• An additional area of concern on lift equipment or when servicing many large pieces of equipment is created by gravity. Either through raised booms, lifts or even dump beds.

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