Safety Lockout Tagout (LOTO) procedures are a critical part of workplace safety, particularly in industries where heavy machinery, complex electrical systems, and dangerous energy sources are involved. By implementing these procedures, companies can ensure that workers are protected from accidental machine startup, electrical shock, or other hazards that could occur during maintenance or repair activities. In this article, we will explore the importance of Safety Lockout Tagout, the steps involved, and how it contributes to creating a safer working environment.
What is Safety Lockout Tagout? Lockout Tagout refers to a set of safety protocols used to prevent the accidental release of hazardous energy when equipment or machinery is being serviced. The procedure consists of two main elements： “lockout” and “tagout.” Lockout involves physically isolating a machine’s energy source using locks and other devices to ensure that it cannot be turned back on until the maintenance work is completed. Tagout complements lockout by using warning tags that are attached to energy-isolating devices, indicating that maintenance is being performed and the machine should not be operated.