Safeopedia Explains Lockout Tagout (LOTO)

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.

The purpose of locks is to completely prevent workers from activating the equipment, and potentially from accessing certain portions of the equipment. Tags, on the other hand, are used as a form of hazard communication by warning against activating or otherwise using a given piece of equipment.

The Importance of Lockout/Tagout Procedures
The use of lockout/tagout procedures is considered a critical aspect of workplace safety in any occupational setting in which workers come into direct contact with machinery or workplace equipment. Accidents which can be prevented by LOTO procedures include:

Electrical accidents
Crushing
Lacerations
Fires and explosions
Chemical exposure
Lockout/Tagout Standards
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). However, OSHA also maintains other LOTO standards for situations that are not covered by 1910.147.

In addition to legally prescribing the use of LOTO procedures, OSHA also places heavy emphasis on the enforcement of those procedures. In the 2019–2020 fiscal year, LOTO-related fines were the sixth-most frequent fine issued by OSHA, and their presence in OSHA’s top-10 most-cited safety violations is an annual occurrence.