Master the Lockout Tagout process

Master the Lockout Tagout process

Lockout tagout (LOTO) is actually made up of two different words — Lock Out and Tag Out. Lock means to isolate and lock the energy that has been turned off according to certain procedures. TAG means to hang a warning sign at the same time of isolating and locking, so as to ensure that no one working beside the machine is injured. It looks like two actions, but actually requires a set of strict operating procedures to ensure safety and effectiveness.
The first step is to identify the energy source. Identify all energy sources of the equipment without omission, including steam, compressed air and other gases, water, liquid, electrical, mechanical energy, etc.
Second, tell all employees who may be affected to start preparing the Lockout Tagout.
Third, turn off the device.
Step 4, close all valves, disconnect circuit switches, disconnect line valves, and ensure that equipment is completely isolated.
The fifth step is to lock the energy source with a lock to ensure that no other people accidentally touch it. Each energy point should be locked one by one, and one of the four ways of Lockout tagout should be used according to different situations.

The four Lockout tagout methods are single point for single person, multi-point for single person, multi-point for single person and multi-point for multiple people.
Single point means that there is only one energy source in the design and only one person participates in it, so only one person is required to lock the energy source, hang up personal card and warning card, and hang up the confirmation table after checking the Lockout tagout step.
Multi-person single point needs to use the row lock. The major staff will use the main lock to lock the energy source, hang up the warning board, check the confirmation table, and then all the staff will hang up their personal cards and personal locks.

Step 6, release residual energy. The residual steam, hot water and other media in the machine and equipment, or potential energy and other energy must be completely released, and as far as possible, use more than two ways to confirm.
Step 7, Test Verification. To ensure that all previous procedures have been performed in place, be sure to perform tests, such as trying to start the device, or trying to open the valve, and take one more step to ensure safe access to the device.
The eighth step, into the logistics equipment inside the implementation, maintenance and other operations. And that’s when the Lockout and the tagout really comes into play. If the power is turned off instead of being locked, the repairman may be locked inside the machine and put at risk without realizing it.
Then, when other workers come back, there is no way to know that there is someone inside the machine by hanging safety locks and warning signs. Unlocked switches can be restarted, unintentionally bringing disaster to the personnel inside the equipment. This is why the Lockout and Tagout process is important.
Step 9: Remove the Lockout and tagout. After finishing the internal work of the machine, remove all used tools in the working area, set the protective door and safety bolt back to their original positions, and inform colleagues that the Lockout and tagout have been ended before restarting, and confirm that all personnel are in the safe area again. You can remove all the Lockout and Tagout tools and put them back in place.