LOTO (Lockout/Tagout)
Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) is a safety procedure that ensures hazardous energy sources are properly isolated, locked and tagged before maintenance or servicing work begins on equipment.
What Is Lockout/Tagout?
Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) is a critical safety procedure designed to prevent the unexpected startup or release of stored energy during equipment maintenance, repair, or servicing. It applies to electrical, mechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic, chemical, thermal and gravitational energy sources.
The LOTO Process
- Preparation: Identify all energy sources associated with the equipment.
- Notification: Inform all affected employees that a lockout/tagout is taking place.
- Shutdown: Shut down the equipment using normal operating procedures.
- Isolation: Physically isolate all energy sources (disconnect switches, close valves, block movement).
- Lock & Tag: Apply personal locks and tags to each isolation point.
- Verification: Attempt to restart the equipment to confirm zero energy, then return controls to the off position.
Why LOTO Matters
Failure to control hazardous energy is one of the top causes of workplace fatalities. Proper LOTO procedures prevent an estimated 120 fatalities and 50,000 injuries annually across North America.
Digital LOTO Management
With Make Safety Easy, you can create digital LOTO procedures for each piece of equipment, verify lock applications in real time and maintain an auditable history of every lockout event.