Lockout Tagout Procedure (LOTO)

A Complete Guide to Keeping You Safe at Work
Lockout Tagout or LOTO for short is an important safety procedure. It stops machines from turning on by themselves when people are fixing them or doing maintenance work. This is a deal because Lockout Tagout helps prevent bad things from happening to workers like getting shocked or hurt by machines that start moving suddenly.
Without Lockout Tagout workers are in danger of getting hurt. They could get shock, crushed by heavy machinery or burned. These are all serious injuries that can happen if Lockout Tagout is not used properly.
 


 What is Lockout Tagout (LOTO) Anyway?

Lockout Tagout is a safety process that does an important things:
   It isolates the energy sources that power machines
   It locks the system in a state so it cannot be turned on
   It puts warning tags on machines to let people know not to use them
This process makes sure that equipment is safe to work on and cannot be turned on until the work is finished.

Why is Lockout Tagout So Important?

It is very dangerous when machines start up unexpectedly. Lockout Tagout helps to:
   Keep workers from getting hurt
   Prevent machines from being turned on by accident
  Make sure there is no energy going to the machine
  Reduce the number of accidents that happen at work

 Types of Energy Sources

Before you start using Lockout Tagout you need to identify all the energy sources that power the machine. These can include:
   energy
   Mechanical energy
   Hydraulic pressure
  Pneumatic pressure
   Thermal energy
   Stored energy like the kind found in springs or capacitors

 Lockout Tagout Devices

There are several devices that are commonly used for Lockout Tagout. These include:
   Padlocks that each worker uses for themselves
   Lockout hasps
   Circuit breaker locks
   Valve lockouts
   Warning tags that say "Do Not Operate"
Each worker should have their lock to use.

The Step-by-Step Lockout Tagout Procedure

1. Getting Ready

   Figure out which equipment you will be working on and what energy sources it uses
    Understand the hazards associated with the machine
   Let other employees know what you will be doing

 2. Turning Off the Equipment

   Turn off the machine using the controls
   Follow the proper sequence for shutting down the machine

3. Isolating Energy Sources

     Disconnect the power supply to the machine
     Close any valves that control the flow of energy
     Block any moving parts to prevent them from moving

4. Applying Lockout Devices

  Put locks on all the devices that control the energy sources
  Make sure the person who applied the lock has the key to remove it

5. Applying Warning Tags

   Attach warning tags to the machine to let people know not to use it
   Include your name, the date and the reason for the lockout on the tag

6. Releasing Stored Energy

   Discharge any capacitors that store energy
  Release any pressure that has built up in the system
  Secure any moving parts to prevent them from moving

7. Verifying Isolation

  Try to start the machine to make sure it will not turn on
  Check to make sure there is no energy going to the machine
  Use testing equipment if you need to to make sure the machine is safe
This is the important step in the Lockout Tagout procedure.

8. Doing Maintenance Work

  Only start work on the machine after you have verified that it is safe
  Follow all safety procedures when doing the work

9. Removing Lockout Devices

  Make sure the work is complete before removing the locks
   Remove any tools or equipment that you used
  Only the person who applied the lock should remove it

 10. Turning the Power Back On

  Reconnect the energy sources to the machine
  Start the equipment up safely following the startup procedure

 Safety Signs Used in Lockout Tagout

There are several safety signs that are commonly used in Lockout Tagout. These include:
    DANGER – DO NOT OPERATE
    LOCKED OUT
   AUTHORIZED PERSONNEL 
These signs need to be clear and easy to see.

 Lockout Tagout Safety Rules

  Never remove a lock that another worker has applied
  Always verify that the machine is isolated before starting work
  Use the Lockout Tagout devices for the job
  Follow the written procedures for Lockout Tagout
  Train all workers on how to use Lockout Tagout

Common Mistakes to Avoid

   Skipping the verification step
   Not isolating all the energy sources
   Using locks that are shared by workers
    Ignoring stored energy
   Not communicating with other workers

Benefits of Lockout Tagout

 Reduces the number of accidents that happen at work
 Saves lives
  Helps companies comply with safety regulations
  Prevents damage to equipment
 Helps build a safety culture at work

Pro tips 

Lockout Tagout is not something that you can choose to do or not do. It is a procedure that saves lives. You need to follow every step without taking any shortcuts.
Remember, Lockout Tagout is, in place to control energy before it controls you.