
What does Loto stand for in safety?
LOTO stands for lockout/tagout. When done properly before equipment service or maintenance, lockout/tagout procedures control hazardous energy and protect workers from harm. In this article, we’ll look at the basics of lockout/tagout and LOTO safety.
What is Loto procedure in electrical equipment?
Electrical Equipment Lockout/Tagout – LOTO Procedure. A lockout-tagout (LOTO) procedure is a safety system used to prevent accidental or unauthorized access to electrical power sources that are undergoing maintenance or other work.
What is Loto and how does it work?
With this secured process, all individuals working on the same circuit or equipment have individual locks that they secure onto a disconnect device before working on the system. The LOTO procedure also requires that each worker fills out a tag that is hung from their lock, including their name and a description of the work they are doing.
Are Loto procedures required by law?
Because of their critical safety importance, the use of LOTO procedures is legally required in every jurisdiction that has an advanced occupational health and safety program. In the United States, the general industry standard for the use of LOTO procedures is 29 CFR 1910.147 - Control of Hazardous Energy (lockout/tagout).

What is LOTO system?
LOTO: Lock out and Tag Out LOCK OUT TAG OUT: Lockout is defined as the "Control of Hazardous Energy - In practice, lockout is the isolation of energy from the system (a machine, equipment, or process) which physically locks the system in a safe mode.
What does LOTO mean in safety?
Proper lockout/tagout (LOTO) practices and procedures safeguard workers from hazardous energy releases. OSHA's Lockout/Tagout Fact Sheet describes the practices and procedures necessary to disable machinery or equipment to prevent hazardous energy release.
What are the 6 steps of lock out/tag out?
A lockout/tagout procedure should include the following six steps:Preparation.Shutdown.Isolation.Lockout/tagout.Stored energy check.Isolation verification.
What is LOTO used for?
Lockout/tagout (LOTO) is a technique used to prevent energy from being released during the servicing of equipment. This is accomplished by placing locks and tags on energy isolation devices prior to starting work.
How many types of LOTO are there?
The four main types are gate valves, ball valves, plug valves and butterfly valves.
What is the first step of the LOTO process?
1: PreparationStep 1: Preparation ─ Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) Preparation is the first step in service and maintenance. During the preparation phase, an authorized or approved employee must conduct extensive research to understand all possible hazards associated with hazardous energy. It is important to identify and monitor the hazards.
Who can remove LOTO devices?
The Lockout Tagout devices are finally removed from an energy isolating device, only by the worker who applied it. The removal of employees lock without his knowledge can be dangerous, as a general rule, the Lockout Tagout device should be removed by the employee himself/herself.
How do you write a LOTO procedure?
How to write your LOTO proceduresStep 1: Preparing for shutdown. ... Step 2: Review the specific LOTO procedure for the asset. ... Step 3: Performing the shutdown. ... Step 4: Locating and disconnecting all energy sources. ... Step 5: Placing locks and tags. ... Step 6: Releasing or blocking any stored energy. ... Step 7: Verifying the lockout.More items...•
How many steps are there to LOTO?
The Eight Steps of Lockout Tagout (LOTO)
When should LOTO be used?
A good lockout/tagout (LOTO) program should be used to help protect employees, contractors, vendors, and others from the dangers of working in and around dangerous machinery.
How do I use LOTO devices?
4:064:54Brady Lockout / Tagout Devices Applications - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipPlace electrical panel in off position separate. And slide hasp ends in opposite directions to openMorePlace electrical panel in off position separate. And slide hasp ends in opposite directions to open device class block out device on pedal switch push steel hasps together to secure lockout.
Why is LOTO important?
OSHA imposes some pretty substantial fines if you fail to follow the Lockout/Tagout standard. This standard, CFR 1910.147, is one of the top ten most frequently cited violations.
When Is Lockout Tagout Required?
Any time a worker is going to work on or around a machine or piece of equipment that can cause an injury, then Lockout/Tagout regulations apply. This includes equipment that could smash, cut, shock, trap, burn, or otherwise injure a person.
LOTO Training
LOTO training is required for workers involved in or working in areas where they might be affected. Initial training has to start before they begin relevant work. The standard doesn't require regular refresher training, but you do need to retrain if you have reason to believe an employee is failing to use LOTO appropriately
What Does Lockout Tagout (LOTO) Mean?
Lockout/tagout (LOTO) is a set of procedures that are used to ensure that equipment is shut down, inoperable, and (where relevant) de-energized. This allows maintenance and repair work on the system to be performed safely.
Safeopedia Explains Lockout Tagout (LOTO)
LOTO procedures must be put in place at the workplace level - that is, all employees must be trained to use the exact same set of LOTO procedures. These procedures usually include the use of both locks and tags; however, if it is not possible to apply a lock to a system, then tags may be used exclusively.
What is the purpose of Lock Out, Tag Out training?
Machines or equipment often contain a form of hazardous energy when undergoing service or maintenance. The types of hazardous energy include:
The steps of a Lock Out, Tag Out procedure
Step 1: Preparation - During the preparation stage, the authorized employee must identify all types of hazardous energy and gain a thorough understanding of the means for controlling the specific energy.
What is the LOTO procedure?
The LOTO procedure also requires that each worker fills out a tag that is hung from their lock, including their name and a description of the work they are doing. When multiple areas are being worked on simultaneously, the worker must use as many locks as necessary to secure power from the system.
Why should a machine be turned off while under load?
The machine or equipment connected to the serviced line or circuit is turned off to prevent a hazard to workers as a result of equipment de-energization. Electrical disconnect switches should never be pulled while under load (while the motor or other equipment they serve are still running), because of the possibility of arcing or even explosions.
What is a lockout/tagout procedure?
A standard lockout/tagout procedure starts with identifying all potential power sources for the equipment being worked on. Some equipment is fed only by a single switch, while other equipment may include capacitors or backup batteries that must be discharged or disconnected to ensure the equipment does not receive power.
What is a lockout tagout?
A lockout-tagout (LOTO) procedure is a safety system used to prevent accidental or unauthorized access to electrical power sources that are undergoing maintenance or other work.
What must a worker know before shutting down a power line?
Before an authorized worker shuts down the line or circuit, he or she must be completely informed about the type and magnitude of the work to be performed. The worker must also be aware of the hazards of the energy to be shut down and the method to control the power.
What is the OSHA LOTO standard?
The OSHA LOTO standard establishes the employer’s responsibility to protect workers against the release of hazardous energy.
What is a lockout tag out?
Lock Out Tag Out or LOTO is a popular safety procedure for working on hazardous equipment in various industries and research settings. LOTO ensures that dangerous machines are properly shut off and prior to the completion of maintenance or repair work not able to be started up again. In this safety procedure, before starting any work in a machine the hazardous energy sources are isolated and rendered inoperative. The isolated power sources are locked and a tag is placed on the lock mentioning the related person who placed it. The key is kept with the person at work and it ensures that only he or she can start the machine. So, the accidental startup of the equipment by others is prevented while the work is ongoing in the machine. All energy sources need to be identified, controlled, isolated and locked. In some countries, the lock-out tag-out procedure is mandated by the law.
What is OSHA 29 CFR 1910.147?
Each worker responsible for working on those machinery must be trained thoroughly to ascertain that they understand and follow the applicable practices of the hazardous energy control procedures. The Directorate of Technical Support and Emergency Management of OSHA provides online interactive training on 29 CFR 1910.147, Lockout/Tagout Interactive Training Program. For more details refer to the following link: Lockout-Tagout Interactive Training Program (osha.gov)
What is the first step in lockout tag out?
The first and foremost step in the lock-out tag-out procedure is disconnecting the machine from the energy sources . This process is known as isolation. Lockout tag-out procedures provide steps for isolation which, in general, includes the following tasks:
Is OSHA BS7671 enforced in the UK?
BS7671:2008 in the UK. However, the lockout tag-out procedure is not enforced in the UK.
What is the LOTO program?
Every workplace should have an energy control program in place, with LOTO safety being one part of that program. An energy control program includes established procedures for using locks and tags; the locks and tags themselves; training workers on hazards of hazardous energy and lockout/tagout procedures, policies, and equipment; and periodic reviews and inspections of the system (at least annually).
What is a lockout tagout?
Lockout/Tagout is Part of an Energy Control Program. Every workplace should have an energy control program in place, with LOTO safety being one part of that program. An energy control program includes established procedures for using locks and tags; the locks and tags themselves; training workers on hazards of hazardous energy ...
What is OSHA 1910.147?
The OSHA General Industry standard that covers all this is 1910.147, The Control of Hazardous Energy ( Lockout/Tagout). OSHA has also prepared this great list of resources related to hazardous energy control as well as this Lockout/Tagout eTool. Plus you might enjoy some of this helpful Lockout-Tagout information.
When machines or equipment are being prepared for service or maintenance, they often contain some form of “ hazardous energy ” that
When machines or equipment are being prepared for service or maintenance, they often contain some form of “ hazardous energy ” that can cause harm to people in the area.
What happens when a machine is serviced?
During the servicing and maintenance of machines and equipment, the unexpected startup or release of stored energy can result in serious injury or death to workers. A worker is servicing a press, another worker comes by and starts the press, and the service worker is caught up in the press, causing an amputation.
What is Lockout Tagout?
Lockout tagout is a protection system against unintentional exposure to hazardous energy from equipment and machinery. A lockout device, such as a padlock, secures the energy isolating device while a tagout device (i.e. a tag) warns employees not to use the equipment.
What is the Difference Between Lock Out and Tag Out?
The difference between lock out and tag out is the device used. The lockout device stops employees from operating the equipment while the tagout device informs them that the equipment should not be operated. Essentially, a tagout device is the second layer of protection against unsafe equipment operation while a lockout device is the first layer.
Lockout Tagout and Machine Guarding
Though the machine guarding standard covers exposure to hazardous energy during normal production operations, it is important to remember that the OSHA lockout tagout standard (instead of the machine guarding standard) will apply during normal production operations if:
OSHA Lockout Tagout Standard
The OSHA lockout tagout standard generally applies to any activity in which the sudden energization or startup of equipment and machinery could harm employees.
Who is Involved in a Lockout Tagout?
Aside from the safety supervisor who is responsible for lockout tagout, other key personnel involved are authorized and affected employees.
Lockout Tagout Devices
Employers are required by the OSHA standard to provide lockout tagout devices that are durable, standardized, substantial, and identifiable. LOTO devices cannot be reused. The following information is primarily based on the OSHA lockout tagout standard:
Lockout Tagout Steps
Authorized employees must complete the 15 lockout tagout steps in order.
What does it mean to put a lock around a plug?
This typically means putting an actual lock around the plug so that it can’t be inserted into the machine. If there is more than one plug, then multiple locks will be needed. Filling Out the Tag – The lock will have a tag on it that provides information about who removed the power, and why.
What is PPE in construction?
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is paramount to proper safety techniques in manufacturing, construction, or industrial facilities. This PPE guide illustrates PPE symbols and requirements. Make sure all employees are familiar with required PPE in their areas.
What is the first step in a power disconnect?
Power is Disconnected – The first step is to physically remove all power sources from a piece of machinery. This includes the primary pour source and all backup sources as well. Lock Out the Power – Next, the person who will be working on the machinery will physically lock the power out.
When did OSHA lockouts start?
In 1989, OSHA made the lockout/tagout ...
When did OSHA make lockout mandatory?
In 1989 , OSHA made the lockout/tagout (LOTO) procedure mandatory for companies operating in the United States. Even prior to this point, many facilities were using this strategy to help improve the safety of their employees.
What is OSHA lockout?
The OSHA standard for The Control of Hazardous Energy (Lockout/Tagout) ( 29 CFR 1910.147) for general industry, outlines specific action and procedures for addressing and controlling hazardous energy during servicing and maintenance of machines and equipment.
What are the injuries that can occur from failure to control hazardous energy during maintenance activities?
Injuries resulting from the failure to control hazardous energy during maintenance activities can be serious or fatal! Injuries may include electrocution, burns, crushing, cutting, lacerating, amputating, or fracturing body parts, and others.
What is internal wiring?
Internal wiring on a piece of factory equipment electrically shorts, shocking worker who is repairing the equipment. Craft workers, electricians, machine operators, and laborers are among the millions of workers who service equipment routinely and face the greatest risk of injury.
Is electrical energy dangerous?
Energy sources including electrical, mechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic, chemical, thermal, or other sources in machines and equipment can be hazardous to workers. During the servicing and maintenance of machines and equipment, the unexpected startup or release of stored energy can result in serious injury or death to workers.
