Lockout/Tagout (LOTO): Six Steps Of LOTO & The Procedure

What is Lockout/Tagout (LOTO)?

Lockout/Tagout, or LOTO for short, is a safety procedure that is followed in order to ensure that dangerous machinery is properly shut down and isolated. Lockout/Tagout procedures are put in place in order to protect workers from being injured by machinery that unexpectedly starts up or releases stored energy.

Lockout/Tagout procedures involve the use of physical locks and tags as well as communication between workers to make sure that everyone understands the risks involved and knows when it is safe to work on the machinery. LOTO procedures are an important part of any workplace safety plan and should be followed carefully in order to prevent accidents.

Difference Between Lockout And Tagout

Lockout devices are typically used to isolate hazardous energy sources while Tagout devices are used to warn others of the potential hazards. Both lockout and Tagout devices should be used in order to create a safe working environment.

When should LOTO be used?

Lockout/Tagout procedures should always be used when working on machinery, even if it is turned off. Many accidents occur when workers assume that because the power is off, the machine is safe to work on. However, there may still be stored hazardous energy in the machine that can be released, causing serious injury or death.

Lockout/Tagout procedures should also be used when working with chemicals and other hazardous materials. These materials can pose a serious risk to workers if they are not properly handled.

Importance Or Benefits Of Lockout Tagout

Lockout Tagout procedures offer a number of benefits, including:

Reduced risk of accidents
Improved communication between workers
Increased safety awareness
Better compliance with safety regulations

When followed correctly, Lockout/Tagout procedures can help to create a safer working environment for everyone. If you are unsure of how to properly follow Lockout/Tagout procedures, be sure to ask your supervisor or safety officer for help. never take shortcuts when it comes to safety! Lockout/Tagout is not something to be taken lightly.

Which OSHA regulations require LOTO?

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has a number of regulations in place that require the use of Lockout/Tagout procedures. These regulations are designed to protect workers from being injured by machinery. Some of the OSHA regulations that require Lockout/Tagout procedures include:

1926.417 – Control of hazardous energy sources.
1926.1450 – Lockout/Tagout for power generation, transmission, and distribution.
1910:147 – Lockout/Tagout devices.

It is important to be familiar with these OSHA regulations in order to ensure that you are following all of the required safety procedures.

Hazards associated with not following LOTO

There are a number of hazards associated with not following LOTO procedures. Some of the main hazards include:

Injury to workers
Death
Property damage
Environmental damage

Who can remove Lockout Tagout?

Only authorized personnel should remove Lockout/Tagout devices. If you are not authorized to remove the devices, you should not attempt to do so. Only authorized personnel have the training and knowledge to safely remove Lockout Tagout devices. Attempting to remove the devices without proper training can lead to serious injury or death.

If you are authorized to remove LOTO devices, you should follow the proper procedures for doing so. These procedures are designed to protect you from being injured by the machinery. If you are unsure of the proper procedures, you should ask your supervisor or safety officer for help.

Who Is Responsible For Lockout Tagout?

Both employers and employees have a responsibility for safety when it comes to Lockout Tagout. Employers are responsible for providing training to workers on how to safely use Lockout Tagout devices. Employees are responsible for following the proper procedures and using the devices correctly.

Both employers and employees need to be aware of the hazards associated with not following LOTO procedures. These hazards include injury, death, property damage, and environmental damage.

Lockout Tagout is an important part of keeping workers safe. both employers and employees need to be aware of the hazards associated with not following Lockout Tagout procedures. These hazards include injury, death, property damage, and environmental damage.

Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) Procedure

The following are 5 steps for implementing a Lockout/Tagout procedure:

1. Identify the hazards of the machine.

Before starting any work on a machine, the first step is to identify all potential hazards. This includes understanding the types of energy that could be present and how they could affect workers. Once the hazards are identified, appropriate controls can be put in place to minimize the risks.

Some common hazards associated with machines include:

Electrical energy: This can be present in the form of electricity, static electricity, or electromagnetic fields. It can cause burns, shocks, or fires.
Mechanical energy: This includes energy from moving parts, such as blades or gears. It can cause cuts, abrasions, or crush injuries.
Chemical energy: This can be present in the form of fumes, liquids, or gases. It can cause skin irritations, respiratory problems, or chemical burns.
Thermal energy: This includes heat and cold. It can cause burns or frostbite.
Radiation: This includes ultraviolet, infrared, and microwave radiation. It can cause skin damage or cancer.

Once the hazards have been identified, workers can take steps to protect themselves. This may include using personal protective equipment, such as gloves, goggles, or respiratory masks. It is also important to follow safe work practices, such as keeping hands and clothing away from moving parts and using proper ventilation when working with chemicals.

2. Isolation/Turn off the power to the machine.

The next step in the process is to turn off the power to the machine. This can be done by flipping the switch on the machine, or by unplugging it from the power source. Once the power is off, the machine is safe to work on.

Notifying employees of the shutdown is an important step, as they may be working nearby and could be affected by the noise or debris. If possible, shutting down the machines during a shift change can help minimize disruption.

Once the power is off, maintenance or service can begin. Depending on what needs to be done, different tools and techniques may be used. However, always following LOTO procedures will ensure that everyone stays safe.

3. Tag the machine.

Now that the machine has been isolated from its power source, it’s time to attach the Lockout/Tagout devices. This is the most important step in the entire process, so be sure to do it carefully.

First, find the energy-isolating device (EID). This is usually a switch, valve, or circuit breaker. Then, attach the Lockout/Tagout device (LOTO) to the EID. Make sure that the LOTO is secure and cannot be removed without the key.

Now, it’s time to tag the machine. Use a durable tag that includes the following information:

The name of the authorized employee who applied the LOTO
The date the LOTO was applied
The name of the company that owns the machine
A brief description of the work being performed

Once the machine has been properly tagged, it is safe to begin work. Be sure to follow all safety procedures to avoid hazards.

4. Test the machine to make sure it is safe.

Before starting any work, it is important to test the machine to make sure that the Lockout/Tagout devices are working properly. This can be done by trying to turn on the machine or by testing the EID with a multimeter.

If the machine turns on, or if the EID does not show signs of being de-energized, do not begin work. Instead, contact a supervisor or the company that owns the machine.

Only after the machine has been tested and verified as safe should work begin. Be sure to follow all safety procedures to avoid injuries.

5. Unlock and remove the tags when the work is finished.

Once the work is finished, it’s time to remove the Lockout/Tagout devices and tags. First, ask the authorized employee who applied the LOTO to remove their device. Then, have a second authorized employee remove their LOTO device. This helps ensure that everyone is following proper procedures.

Finally, remove the tags from the machine. Be sure to include the date and time that the tags were removed, as well as the signature of the authorized employee who removed them.

Now that the machine is unlocked and tagged, it can be turned back on and used normally. Be sure to follow all safety procedures to avoid hazards.

Lockout Tagout Device/Equipment

Lockout Tagout devices are an important part of the LOTO process. These devices are used to isolate the machine from its power source so that it can be safely worked on. There are many different types of Lockout Tagout devices, so be sure to choose the one that is best for your needs.

Some common Lockout Tagout devices include:

Padlocks: A padlock is a device that is used to secure a door, gate, or other openings. Padlocks can be keyed or combination-locked and come in many different sizes.
Hasps: A hasp is a device that is used to secure a door, gate, or other openings. Hasps can be padlocked or locked with a combination lock.
Barricades: A barricade is a device that is used to block off an area. Barricades can be made of wood, plastic, or metal, and they come in many different sizes.
Lockout Tags: Lockout tags are used to identify the authorized employee who applied the LOTO. Lockout tags usually include the name of the employee, the date the LOTO was applied, and a brief description of the work being performed.

Choosing the right Lockout Tagout device is important to ensure that your machine is properly isolated from its power source. Be sure to follow all safety procedures to avoid hazards.

Lockout Tagout Examples

There are many different ways to apply Lockout Tagout. The best way to determine the best method for your needs is to consult a qualified professional.

Some common examples of Lockout Tagout include:

Electrical: Electrical LOTO is used to isolate electrical circuits so that they can be safely worked on. This can be done by disconnecting the circuit breaker or by removing fuses.
Pneumatic: Pneumatic LOTO is used to isolate air compressors so that they can be safely worked on. This can be done by disconnecting the air supply or closing the valves supplying air to the compressor.
Hydraulic: Hydraulic LOTO is used to isolate hydraulic circuits so that they can be safely worked on. This can be done by disconnecting the hydraulic lines or closing the valves supplying fluid to the circuit.

When applying LOTO, it is important to follow all safety procedures to avoid hazards. Remember, if in doubt, consult a qualified professional.

Do Employees Need To Wear PPE During LOTO Operations?

Yes, employees need to wear personal protective equipment (PPE) during LOTO operations. PPE is necessary to protect employees from potential hazards. Some common examples of PPE include gloves, eye protection, and hearing protection. Employees should always consult with a qualified professional before performing any LOTO procedure.

How Often Is Lockout Tagout Training Required

At least once a year, all employees who work with or around energized equipment must receive Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) training. However, if there are changes to the LOTO procedures, then additional training may be necessary.

Employees must be properly trained in order to safely and effectively perform their duties. LOTO training covers the procedures for safely shutting down and disconnecting equipment in order to prevent injuries.

If there are changes to the LOTO procedures, employees must be retrained in the new procedures. Employees should also be retrained if they have not performed the procedures in a while or if they are having difficulty understanding or following the procedures.

Additional training may also be necessary if there have been changes to the equipment or if new hazards have been identified. LOTO training is an important part of keeping employees safe and ensuring that equipment is properly shut down.

Penalties For Not Following Lockout Tagout Procedures

The penalties for not following LOTO procedures can be severe. Some common penalties include fines, jail time, and loss of a job. always consult with a qualified professional before performing any LOTO procedure.

Lockout/Tagout is a serious responsibility. Employees should always consult with a qualified professional before performing any LOTO procedure.

Qualified Professionals

There are many different types of qualified professionals who can help you with your Lockout Tagout needs. Some common examples include electricians, engineers, and safety professionals. When choosing a qualified professional, be sure to consult with multiple professionals to find the best fit for your needs.

When it comes to Lockout/Tagout, always remember: if in doubt, consult a qualified professional.

Conclusion

Lockout Tagout procedures are an important part of any workplace safety plan. These procedures should always be followed in order to prevent accidents. Only authorized personnel should remove Lockout Tagout devices. If you are not sure of the proper procedures, be sure to ask your supervisor or safety officer for help. Never take shortcuts when it comes to safety! Lockout/Tagout is not something to be taken lightly.

What are some of your experiences with Lockout Tagout? Let us know in the comments below! And be sure to follow all of the OSHA regulations in order to keep yourself and your fellow workers safe. Thanks for reading!