Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) equipment plays a critical role in ensuring the safety and well-being of workers in various industrial settings. Whether it’s manufacturing, construction, or any environment where machinery and electrical systems are involved, LOTO equipment is designed to prevent accidental machinery starts during maintenance, repair, or service activities. By isolating energy sources and signaling hazardous conditions, LOTO helps to prevent workplace injuries and fatalities.
What is LOTO? The term “LOTO” refers to Lockout/Tagout, a set of safety protocols used in industries where equipment is serviced or maintained. The primary objective of LOTO is to prevent the unintended release of hazardous energy that could cause serious harm. This is achieved by physically locking out energy-isolating devices and attaching a tag that warns others not to operate or attempt to restart the equipment. The safety process includes locking and tagging machines or energy-isolating devices so that only the authorized personnel can remove the lock and restore energy once the maintenance or repair task is complete. The LOTO procedure is a vital part of workplace safety programs, reducing the risk of mechanical, electrical, thermal, hydraulic, and other forms of hazardous energy.