Safety in the workplace is a top priority, especially when it comes to hazardous equipment and machinery. One critical safety procedure that has been widely adopted across industries is Safety Lockout/Tagout (LOTO). This process is designed to ensure that machines and equipment are properly shut off and cannot be started up again before maintenance or repair work is completed. In this article, we will explore the importance of Safety Lockout Tagout, the standard procedures involved, and how it helps prevent workplace injuries.
The Importance of Safety Lockout/Tagout Accidents in the workplace, particularly in industrial settings, can often be traced back to the unexpected release of hazardous energy from equipment or machinery. This energy could be electrical, mechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic, chemical, or thermal. Without proper controls, such as lockout or tagout devices, workers performing maintenance could be exposed to these dangerous forms of energy. In fact, the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has identified the release of hazardous energy as a major cause of workplace injuries and fatalities.