Lockout / Tagout (LOTO) refers to the specific practices and procedures for safely de-energizing and re-energizing equipment when service or maintenance must be performed.
Lockout / Tagout is an adopted, industry-wide “best practice” for increasing safety in all facilities. OSHA estimates that LOTO standards and practices prevent 120 fatalities and 50,000 injuries, annually. For more details of Lockout / Tagout regulations please refer to OSHA 29 CFR 1910.147 “Control of Hazardous Energy’ standard.
There are FIVE key components to Lockout / Tagout compliance;
1. Develop and document a written LOTO policy/program. This program should address:
a. Purpose and scope – should be made easy to understand
b. Personnel authorized to perform LOTO
c. Group lockout procedures
d. Enforcement policy
e. Training methods
f. Lock removal procedures
g. Method for auditing and updating procedures
2. LOTO procedures for EACH SPECIFIC machine or piece of equipment
3. Train every employee on LOTO usage and awareness.
4. Annual auditing – updates to improve
5. Identify all energy control points with tags, labels, signs, placards and locks.
LOTO compliance;
• Keeps employees and machine operators safe from unexpected startup and operation of machines,
• Significantly cuts costs by minimizing lost time, and insurance costs,
• Improves productivity by minimizing equipment downtime with a safe and effective maintenance program
Let us know if you have any questions, or how we may be able to help you in developing, updating or executing your own LOTO program.
Have a safe day!
