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General • Inspections

LOTO Procedures: Use Lockout-Tagout to Improve Safety

This Lock out/Tag Out procedures establish the minimum requirements for lockout/tagout (LO/TO) on equipment that is being serviced or maintained. This procedure must be followed in order to properly stop equipment, disconnect it from any sources of potentially hazardous energy, and prevent those sources from being reconnected during the work.
MaintainX
07/26/2022

LOTO Procedures: Use Lockout-Tagout to Improve Safety

This Lock out/Tag Out procedures establish the minimum requirements for lockout/tagout (LO/TO) on equipment that is being serviced or maintained. This procedure must be followed in order to properly stop equipment, disconnect it from any sources of potentially hazardous energy, and prevent those sources from being reconnected during the work.

    LOTO programmes have several benefits:

    LOTO procedures in 6 steps

    Prepare for the shutdown.

    Note: It’s generally recommended to make a list of authorised employees and train them extensively in LOTO procedures. The rest of the staff should be informed but does not need such extensive training. However, when it comes to maintenance teams, this happens at your discretion. According to the perceived risks, you may even train everyone.

    Shutdown.

    Isolate equipment.

    Place locks and tags.

    Pro tip: make a checklist of all the plugs and switches that need to be locked out. This will make it easier to order locks and choose suitable devices for electrical and mechanical parts. Lockout stations are a good option to organise them and save time during maintenance or repairs.

    Block stored energy.

    Verify equipment isolation.

    Life after LOTO

    We recommend periodic energy control inspections to ensure your guidelines are up to date, especially if machines are modified. You can also provide periodic refresher training to your staff. It can be included, for example, in safety and hazard identification retraining.

Source: MaintainX (Community Member)

Please note that any procedure, checklist, or other document available in the MaintainX Procedure Hub is provided for general education and information only and does not constitute legal, medical, or financial advice. MaintainX makes the materials available AS IS and AS PROVIDED, without warranties of any kind. By downloading or using any such materials, you assume the risk that they may not be appropriate for your specific situation and agree that you are solely responsible for any such use, including compliance with applicable law and with meeting any conditions of product warranties.