What is Lockout Tagout?
Lockout tagout is a protection system against unintentional exposure to hazardous energy from equipment and machinery. A lockout device, such as a padlock, secures the energy isolating device while a tagout device (i.e. a tag) warns employees not to use the equipment.
Without proper LOTO procedures, workers risk severe injuries or even fatalities from unexpected machine startups or the sudden release of stored energy, turning routine maintenance into a deadly hazard.
Importance
One of the most common workplace hazards is the release of hazardous energy during maintenance or repair work on machinery or equipment. This can result in serious injuries or even fatalities if proper safety procedures are not followed. One important safety measure to prevent such accidents is the implementation of lockout tagout (LOTO) procedures. By locking and tagging the machinery or equipment and isolating it from energy sources, LOTO reduces the risks of accidents and injuries. It also reduces the need for costly repairs or replacements and extends the lifespan of equipment.
Establishing an efficient and safe LOTO program is crucial for organizations to protect their workforce and ensure compliance with occupational safety regulations. Without a well-defined LOTO procedure, employees may be unaware of the dangers posed by uncontrolled hazardous energy, increasing the likelihood of workplace incidents. A strong LOTO program not only enforces proper safety protocols but also fosters a culture of accountability and awareness.
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Lock Out Tag Out Training
Since lockout tagouts have different levels of access, there are also different levels of training required for each type of access:
- For authorized employees, training must include hazardous energy sources, the type and magnitude of hazardous energy, and methods for energy isolation and control.
- For affected employees, training must include the purpose and use of LOTO procedures.
- For other employees who are or could be in the area that LOTO procedures are being applied, training must include prohibition rules on restarting equipment that is locked out.
LOTO Safety
To go beyond compliance and truly build a robust lockout tagout program, safety supervisors must actively promote and sustain LOTO safety by doing the following:
- Clearly define and communicate the lock out tag out policy.
- Create a system for submitting and receiving LOTO reports.
- Perform frequent LOTO audits.
- Enforce lock out tag out documentation.
FAQs About Lockout Tagout
Lockout uses a physical device to prevent equipment operation. Meanwhile, tagout uses a warning sign to indicate it shouldn’t be used. Lockout is the primary safeguard, while tagout provides an extra layer of protection against accidental activation.
Safety supervisors oversee LOTO, while authorized employees apply locks or tags before servicing. Affected employees are those operating or working near the equipment. Both groups must follow LOTO protocols to prevent accidental startup and ensure safety.
A safety supervisor can remove the lock if they confirm the employee is absent, has received proper training, and follows the documented lock removal procedure. This ensures the LOTO process remains controlled and equipment isn’t reactivated unsafely.
LOTO safeguards against electrical, mechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic, chemical, and thermal energy. Risks include electrocution, crushing, pressure release, toxic exposure, and burns. A proper LOTO program isolates these hazards before maintenance begins.
SafetyCulture Content Team
