Writing Lockout Tagout Procedures

Lockout tagout (LOTO) procedures are essential safety protocols that prevent unexpected equipment startup or release of stored energy, protecting workers from hazardous energy sources. These procedures are a crucial part of any industrial or construction environment, where machines and equipment pose a significant risk of injury or death if not properly shut down and isolated during maintenance or repair.

The all regulatory agencies, (WorkSafeBC, Occupational Safety and Health Administration, etc.) requires employers to implement LOTO procedures to protect workers from electrical, mechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic, chemical, or thermal energy sources. LOTO procedures are designed to ensure that equipment or machinery cannot be operated until all hazardous energy sources have been isolated and controlled.

The LOTO procedure involves several steps, including preparation, shutdown, isolation, lockout tagout, and verification. The following sections provide a detailed explanation of each step.

Preparation

Before performing any maintenance or repair work on a machine or equipment, workers must be trained on the proper LOTO procedures. They should understand the specific hazards associated with the equipment, the energy sources that need to be controlled, and the steps required to isolate the equipment.

Workers should also have access to the appropriate LOTO devices, including locks, tags, and blocking devices. These devices should be standardized and identifiable to ensure that they are used consistently across all equipment and machinery.

Shutdown

The next step is to shut down the equipment or machinery. Workers should follow the manufacturer’s instructions or standard operating procedures (SOPs) to ensure a safe shutdown. This may involve pressing buttons, flipping switches, or turning knobs to power down the equipment.

Isolation

After the equipment has been shut down, all hazardous energy sources must be isolated. Workers should identify and locate all energy sources that could pose a hazard during maintenance or repair work, such as electrical, hydraulic, or pneumatic energy.

Next, workers should disconnect all energy sources from the equipment and ensure that they cannot be reconnected while the maintenance or repair work is being performed. This may involve using valves, blocks, or disconnecting devices.

Lockout Tagout

The next step is to lock out the equipment or machinery. Workers should use a lockout device, such as a padlock, to secure the energy isolation devices in the off position. The key to the lock should be kept by the person who is performing the maintenance or repair work, ensuring that only they can remove the lock when the work is complete.

Workers should also use a tag to identify the equipment as being locked out. The tag should include information such as the worker’s name, the date, and the reason for the lockout. This helps to ensure that the equipment is not operated until the maintenance or repair work is complete.

Verification

Finally, workers should verify that the equipment is properly locked out and cannot be operated. They should attempt to start the equipment to ensure that it remains inoperable. Workers should also inspect the work area to ensure that all tools and equipment have been removed, and that there are no additional hazards that could pose a risk to workers.

Conclusion

Lockout tagout procedures are essential safety protocols that protect workers from hazardous energy sources during maintenance or repair work. These procedures involve several steps, including preparation, shutdown, isolation, lockout, and verification. Employers should ensure that workers are trained on the proper LOTO procedures and have access to the appropriate devices to ensure a safe working environment. By following LOTO procedures, workers can perform maintenance and repair work safely and avoid workplace injuries and fatalities.