Lockout/tagout (LOTO) is a safety procedure that is used in industry and manufacturing to protect workers from injury or death due to the unintended release of hazardous energy. The procedure involves isolating and securing the energy sources of machinery or equipment, and attaching a visual warning, such as a tag or lock, to the energy isolation device. This alerts other workers that the machinery or equipment is not to be operated until the lock or tag is removed.
LOTO is an important part of a comprehensive safety program and is regulated by OSHA in the United States. It is designed to protect workers who may be servicing, repairing, or maintaining machinery or equipment from the unexpected release of stored energy, such as electrical, mechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic, chemical, or thermal energy. LOTO is also used to prevent accidents and injuries that can occur when machines are accidentally turned on or energized while being serviced or repaired.
There are several steps involved in the LOTO process:
- Preparation: Before beginning any work on machinery or equipment, it is important to identify all potential sources of hazardous energy and determine the appropriate control measures. This may involve conducting a hazard assessment, identifying the type and magnitude of the energy, and determining the necessary steps to isolate and control it.
- Isolation: The next step is to isolate and secure the energy sources. This may involve shutting off power to the machinery or equipment, disconnecting it from a power source, or using a barrier or shield to block the energy.
- Verification: Once the energy sources have been isolated, it is important to verify that they are indeed de-energized and will not inadvertently be re-energized. This may involve using voltage testers or other diagnostic tools to confirm that the machinery or equipment is safe to work on.
- Locking and tagging: Once the energy sources have been isolated and verified to be de-energized, a lock or tag should be attached to the energy isolation device to prevent unintended re-energization. The lock or tag should include the name of the worker who applied it, the date and time it was applied, and any other relevant information.
- Release of lock or tag: Once the work on the machinery or equipment is completed, the lock or tag can be removed and the energy sources can be re-energized. It is important to follow the proper procedures for releasing the lock or tag to ensure that the machinery or equipment is safe to operate.
LOTO is a critical safety procedure that can prevent serious injuries and fatalities in the workplace. By following proper LOTO procedures, workers can protect themselves and their colleagues from the dangers of hazardous energy and ensure that machinery and equipment is operated safely.
