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Lockout/Tagout Basic Steps
Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) is the control of hazardous energy while a piece of equipment or machinery is being serviced or repaired. OSHA’s LOTO standard can be found in 29CFR 1910.147.
What are the basic steps to an effective LOTO event?
- Once identification has been made of the equipment or machinery that needs to be shut down, identify all its energy sources.
- Make sure that the equipment or machinery has properly released all its stored energy. Even after the equipment has been powered down and turned off, energy can still be stored in springs, capacitors, flywheels, hydraulic systems, and elevated components just to name a few.
- Properly shut down all equipment and machines to be serviced or repaired. Notify any affected employees of the shutdown. Shut off all power sources and apply locks and tags to the power sources so that the equipment or machinery can not be restarted.
- Try it! Make sure to test the equipment to ensure that it is properly locked and powered down before performing any service work or maintenance.
- After the maintenance or service has been performed, make sure all tools have been removed, and notify employees that the locks will be removed, and the machinery will be restarted. Make sure to only remove the tag and lock that has been assigned to you!
What are some examples of task that would require LOTO procedures to be executed?
- LOTO procedures should be initiated before any work that requires an employee to put any part of their body within or near the operating point of a piece of equipment or machinery.
- Before entry into a grain bin or silo, make sure all augers or elevator type equipment is locked and tagged out.
- Always perform LOTO procedure before performing maintenance, repairs, or service work on machinery or equipment.
Failure to comply with basic LOTO procedures can lead to serious injuries such as amputations or crushing type injuries. Non-compliance can also be a fatal mistake as well. For further guidance and resources related to lockout/tagout safety and compliance, visit the Online Safety Library and review the LOTO section.
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