Lock Out/Tag Out Policy

The Scope or Policy section tells who must follow the LOTO procedures, but it’s important to explain those responsibilities in greater detail. The Responsibilities section doesn’t have to list each individual role but can group responsibilities by job types. Some common groupings include:

• Department chairs/directors/CEOs

• Managers/supervisors/team leads

• Authorized workers/employees

• Affected workers

• Safety team

Here are some examples for different job types:

• Department chairs/directors/CEOs: implement LOTO policy, provide funding for LOTO policy, set up LOTO training

• Managers/supervisors/team leads: issue and maintain LOTO equipment to workers, oversees LOTO policy, audit LOTO procedures, ensure all workers understand their roles in LOTO procedures

• Authorized workers/employees: safely follow the LOTO procedures, inform supervisors of any issues with the LOTO process

While the exact lock-tag-try procedure will look different for every company, a typical procedure follows these steps:

• Prepare for shutdown. This includes making sure the correct equipment has been identified for LOTO.

• Notify employees, alerting any workers who use or will be around that machine that will be locked out. Let workers know how long the work is expected to take and when the machine will be available again for use.

• Shut down the machine following the specific and detailed instructions provided by the employer.

• Disconnect or isolate the machine from its energy source or sources, including electricity, steam, water, gas, compressed air, and others.

• Release or restrain any stored or residual hazardous energy. This can include trapped heat in a thermal system, excess fumes, or tension in a spring assembly.

• Apply the lockout and/or tagout devices.

• Verify that all the steps were completed and the machine is safe. Try starting the equipment to be sure the lockout is working.

Other procedures that may be applicable to you include:

• Spending stored energy

• Maintenance by outside contractors

• Group LOTO

• Temporary removal

• Maintenance with undisrupted energy

It may also be beneficial to include photos, charts, and diagrams in your written policy. These may include:

• Photos of lockout/tagout equipment

• Diagrams or photos showing proper usage of energy control devices

• Photos, names, and contact info of authorized and affected workers

• Photo and ID # of all pieces of equipment that require lockout/tagout