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For More InformationContact Shelly Vitanza, 409-813-1303, ext. 212
Application Factory,
845 Lindbergh Dr., Beaumont, TX 77707
New Software Automates Lockout/Tagout
Process Eliminating Handwritten Tags and Paperwork
BEAUMONT – Application Factory, Inc. has announced the availability of DangerTags, a software application that will automate and standardize Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) processes in the petrochemical and refining industry.
“The tools of Lockout/Tagout processes - Sharpies and handwritten tags and checklists, are obsolete, time-consuming and leave a lot of room for humor error,” said Keith Davis, president of Application Factory, Inc., a 20-year-old consortium of software developers, programmers and consultants. “DangerTags documents all critical points, allowing operators to trash their Sharpies and instead print every tag they need, every time.”
OSHA cites handwritten processes as one of the major causes of safety incidents and deaths in the petrochemical and refining industry. Davis said DangerTags effectively removes the burden of handwriting from the LOTO process.
“DangerTags puts all critical points in one place as well as all the other documents associated with a plant’s LOTO procedures,” said Davis. “Bundle this with security access features and the ability to chronicle the plant’s LOTO activity, we’re talking revolutionary,” said Davis.
The product line, that includes a desktop version for easy deployment and a client server version that meshes more effectively with enterprise networks and database systems, is being launched on the heels of Chevron’s Vice Chairman Peter Robertson saying at Microsoft’s Energy Forum in Houston, that new computer systems are needed to manage the "digital tidal wave" of documents, spreadsheets and images that is growing by 60 percent a year.
DangerTags is one of the new systems designed to manage this overwhelming amount of data being generated, said Davis. The application will completely change the Lockout/Tagout process making it more efficient, compliant and safe.
“I’ve known of plants hiring additional operators or paying their operators overtime just to handwrite tags and lockout lists during shut-downs and annual maintenance activities,” said Davis. “With DangerTags, that will never be necessary and I’m excited that we can provide this kind of efficiency and safety to the industry that is so critical to our area.”
Davis said DangerTags will debut at the Region VI Volunteer Protection Participants’ Program Conference, May 13 – 16, 2008 in San Antonio at the Henry B. Gonzales Convention Center but he is demonstrating the program daily to local plants in the Southeast Texas area.
“When operators test the application, the simplicity of entry and comprehend that they will no longer have to handwrite hundreds of tags and lists and then worry that they’ve forgotten one, it’s life changing,” said Davis.
Basic Features of DangerTags- an import template to enter existing data.
- simple screens for adding and revising data.
- customizable components throughout the entire system to meet every need of the organization, including reports, lists, tags and any document needed to manage energy isolation and dissipation.
- unique tags for all critical points.
- report management printed with tags.
- security features allowing authorized personnel access.
- spaces for signatures and dates on reports.
- lockout/tagout processes for complete systems with the capability to isolate components as needed.
- weather, chemical and oil and tear-resistant tag paper.
- perforated tags
- durable paper that doesn’t require a metal grommet.
- revision flexibility.
- simple navigation.
- no limit to the amount of information that can be added.