Lock Out Tag Out (LOTO) locks are an essential element of workplace safety, particularly in environments where employees are exposed to hazardous energy sources during maintenance or repair activities. These locks, along with their accompanying tags, are used to ensure that dangerous equipment remains in a de-energized and secure state while maintenance or servicing is being carried out. The primary goal of the Lock Out Tag Out system is to prevent injuries or fatalities caused by the accidental release of hazardous energy, such as electricity, pressurized fluids, or mechanical force.
What is Lock Out Tag Out? Lock Out Tag Out (LOTO) is a safety protocol employed to control hazardous energy during the servicing of machinery or equipment. The system involves physically locking out the energy source of the equipment, using a lockout device, and tagging it with a warning tag. This procedure guarantees that the equipment cannot be operated until the locks and tags are removed by the authorized personnel, thus ensuring the safety of those performing maintenance or repairs. There are two key components in the LOTO system： lockout and tagout. Lockout refers to the physical locking of energy-isolating devices (such as electrical switches, valves, or mechanical mechanisms) to prevent the release of hazardous energy. A lockout device is typically a padlock or a similar device that secures the equipment in the “off” position.