In today’s industrial environments, worker safety is of paramount importance. One of the most effective ways to protect employees from hazardous machinery and equipment is through the implementation of Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) procedures. These procedures, often mandated by safety regulations such as OSHA in the United States, require the use of specific safety devices to prevent the accidental release of energy during maintenance or repair work. The role of Lockout Tagout manufacturers in this regard is critical, as they provide the tools and systems necessary to ensure that energy sources are properly isolated and that workers can perform their tasks safely.
What is Lockout/Tagout (LOTO)? Lockout/Tagout refers to a set of safety protocols designed to protect workers from the unexpected release of hazardous energy, such as electrical, mechanical, hydraulic, or thermal energy, while they are servicing machinery or equipment. The primary components of LOTO procedures involve locking the energy-isolating devices and tagging them to indicate that the equipment is under maintenance and should not be operated. The procedure is simple but effective： workers use locks to secure energy isolation devices in the off position, and tags are placed on these devices to alert others that maintenance is being performed. The goal is to prevent accidental energization or the release of stored energy that could cause serious injury or death.