lock out tag out： a critical safety protocol for workplace protection
Release time:2026-01-17 01:43:13
Lock Out Tag Out (LOTO) is an essential safety procedure used in various industries to ensure that machines or equipment are properly shut off and not started up again until maintenance or repair work is complete. The main goal of LOTO is to prevent the accidental release of hazardous energy, which could lead to severe injuries or fatalities. The procedure involves two critical components： locking the equipment in a safe position and tagging it to indicate that it should not be operated until the work is finished.
What is Lock Out Tag Out?
Lock Out Tag Out refers to the process of isolating energy sources from machines and equipment during maintenance or servicing. When a machine is being repaired or worked on, it can contain stored energy (electrical, mechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic, etc.) that, if released, can cause harm. LOTO ensures that these energy sources are effectively controlled by applying locks to energy-isolating devices and using tags to alert workers to the dangers of operating the equipment.
The lockout involves physically locking energy-isolating devices (e.g., circuit breakers, valves, or switches) in the “off” position, which prevents any accidental activation of the equipment. The tag-out part involves placing a warning tag on the equipment to inform workers that it should not be operated until the lock is removed.
