Lock Out Tag Out, commonly referred to as LOTO, is a critical safety procedure designed to prevent accidental machine start-ups during maintenance and servicing activities in various workplace environments, particularly in industrial settings. The risks involved in operating machinery during repair or maintenance can lead to severe accidents, injuries, or even fatalities. LOTO aims to protect workers by ensuring that all sources of energy are effectively isolated and clearly marked.
The Purpose of Lock Out Tag Out The primary purpose of the Lock Out Tag Out procedure is to safeguard employees from hazardous energy. This includes electrical, mechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic, chemical, thermal, and other energy sources that can injure workers when a machine is being serviced. LOTO ensures that these energy sources are controlled appropriately so that machines cannot be inadvertently started while workers are engaged in maintenance work. Key Components of Lock Out Tag Out Energy Isolation： The first step in the LOTO process involves identifying the equipment that requires maintenance and determining its various energy sources. Workers must ensure that all sources of energy are isolated, which may involve shutting off electricity, halting hydraulic flows, or releasing stored energy.