LockoutTagout Basics for Electrical Equipment
Overview
Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) procedures protect workers from unexpected energization or start-up of equipment during maintenance and repair. Proper LOTO prevents electrocutions, amputations, and other serious injuries from hazardous energy release.
Why This Is Important
Working on equipment assumed to be de-energized when it’s actually energized causes catastrophic injuries and deaths. Unexpected start-ups crush, electrocute, or amputate body parts within seconds. LOTO procedures ensure equipment cannot energize until all workers are clear and locks are removed. Every worker performing maintenance must understand LOTO procedures, use personal locks, and never remove other workers’ locks. These simple rules prevent tragedies and save lives.
Best Practices & Safety Tips
- Identify all energy sources before beginning work—electrical, mechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic, thermal, chemical.
- Follow established LOTO procedures specific to equipment being serviced—generic procedures may miss energy sources.
- Notify affected personnel before shutting down equipment and implementing LOTO procedures.
- Shut down equipment using normal stopping procedures before applying LOTO devices.
- Apply personal locks to energy isolation devices—never rely on someone else’s lock for your protection.
- Attach tags indicating who applied the lock, why equipment is locked out, and contact information.
- Verify equipment is de-energized by testing controls after locking out but before beginning work.
- Relieve stored energy—capacitors, springs, elevated components, pressurized lines—before working on equipment.
- Never remove another worker’s lock—only the person who applied the lock may remove it.
- Remove LOTO devices and restore equipment to service only after verifying all workers are clear.
Discussion Questions
- What equipment in our workplace requires LOTO procedures?
- Are you confident in your ability to properly implement LOTO on equipment you service?
- What challenges prevent consistent LOTO compliance in our operations?
- Have you witnessed shortcuts or LOTO violations that put workers at risk?
Takeaway
Lockout/Tagout procedures are your life insurance policy when working on equipment. Always apply personal locks, verify de-energization before beginning work, and never remove another worker’s lock. These simple steps prevent devastating injuries and deaths.