Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) is a critical safety protocol used in various industries to protect workers from accidental injuries caused by the release of hazardous energy during maintenance and repair activities. It involves the systematic shutdown, isolation, and locking of energy sources to ensure that machinery or equipment cannot be inadvertently activated while being serviced. In this article, we will explore the significance of LOTO, its key components, and its application in workplace safety.
What is Lock Out Tag Out (LOTO)? At its core, LOTO is designed to prevent workers from coming into contact with hazardous energy. These energy sources can be electrical, mechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic, chemical, thermal, or stored energy. In essence, LOTO ensures that machinery and equipment are in a completely de-energized state before any work is performed. This is particularly important because many industrial machines can store large amounts of energy even after they are turned off, which could lead to dangerous accidents if not properly isolated. The LOTO process involves two key actions：