Lock and Tag Out/LOTO

What is LOTO lockout/tagout?

Lockout    Lock up

Isolate and lock off energy sources according to certain procedures to ensure that no personnel working near the machine are injured.

Tagout     Listing

At the same time as isolating and locking the closed energy sources to a certain extent, warning signs should be hung to ensure that no personnel working near the machine are injured.

The purpose of LOTO

Prevent bodily harm caused by uncontrolled hazardous energy

Every year, workers are injured or even killed due to not releasing hazardous energy or locking equipment before starting work. Uncontrolled energy can lead to a series of negative consequences, including electric shock, cutting off body parts, etc.

Prevent opening outside of the device

LOTO ensures that employees do not accidentally turn on or release electrical or other forms of energy while working on or inside the machine. Unplugging the plug is not enough to ensure safety, and many employees assume that the machine or other energy sources have been safely turned off when accidents occur. LOTO is a measure to protect your and others' safety.

Ensure that the device is turned off

LOTO ensures that when someone is working on machines, equipment, or other energy sources, they can temporarily remain out of operation. Failure to follow the LOTO procedure may result in the machine suddenly starting and causing serious physical injury. LOTO also allows operators to control when the energy source can safely resume operation or regain energy.

Six steps of locking and tagging:

1. Identify hazardous energy sources

2. Turn off the machine

3. Cut off energy

4. Lock and tag out

5. Release hazardous energy

6. Verify energy isolation: zero energy