LOTO Safety & Lockout/Tagout Procedures
LOTO stands for lockout/tagout. When
done properly before equipment service or maintenance, lockout/tagout
procedures control hazardous energy and protect workers from harm.
Without the use of proper LOTO safety
procedures, the serviced equipment can unexpectedly start up or otherwise
release these forms of energy. This can lead to injuries and even death to the
people working on the machine and even to others working in the area or living
in the community.
Energy sources including electrical,
mechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic, chemical, thermal, or other sources in
machines and equipment can be hazardous to workers. 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.
A lockout/tagout procedure should
include the following six steps:
1. Preparation
The authorized employee must investigate
and gain a complete understanding of all types of hazardous energy that might
be controlled.
2. Shutdown
It’s time to shut down the machine or
equipment that will be serviced or maintained.
3. Isolation
To
isolate the machine or equipment from any source of energy.
4. Lockout/tagout
The authorized employee will attach
lockout and/or tagout devices to each energy-isolating device.
5. Stored
energy check
It’s important to look for any hazardous
energy that’s been “stored” within the machine, or any “residual” energy.
6. Isolation
verification
An authorized employee verifies the machine has been properly isolated and de-energized.