Skip to content
All safety questions
Asked by a personUnited Statesen-US

Lockout tagout

A person submitted this question to Rosie's free generator. The asker's identity is neither imported nor published.

Rosie's answer

Published by SALUS

Safe Work Procedure: Lockout Tagout (LOTO)

Document Number: [SWP-NUMBER] Revision Date: [DATE] Next Review Date: [NEXT REVIEW DATE] Department: [DEPARTMENT NAME]

1. Scope

This procedure covers the lockout and tagout (LOTO) of energy isolating devices to ensure that machines and equipment are isolated from energy sources before any servicing or maintenance activities are performed. It applies to all employees, contractors, and visitors who may be exposed to hazardous energy during maintenance activities.

This procedure is applicable in environments where unexpected energization or release of stored energy could cause injury. It should be used in conjunction with other safety procedures and standards, such as OSHA 29 CFR 1910.147.

2. Definitions

Lockout The placement of a lockout device on an energy isolating device to ensure that the device and the equipment being controlled cannot be operated until the lockout device is removed .

Tagout The placement of a tagout device on an energy isolating device to indicate that the device and the equipment being controlled may not be operated until the tagout device is removed .

Authorized Employee An employee who locks out or tags out machines or equipment to perform servicing or maintenance .

3. Responsibilities

3.1 Supervisors

  • Ensure all employees are trained in LOTO procedures.
  • Verify compliance with LOTO procedures during maintenance activities.
  • Conduct periodic inspections of LOTO procedures .

3.2 Workers

  • Follow all LOTO procedures and use appropriate devices.
  • Report any deviations or inadequacies in LOTO procedures.
  • Participate in training and retraining sessions .

3.3 Health and Safety Representative

  • Assist in the development and review of LOTO procedures.
  • Participate in incident investigations related to LOTO failures.

4. Potential Hazards and Risks

HazardRiskControl Measures
Unexpected energizationInjury or deathUse lockout devices to isolate energy sources .
Stored energyRelease causing injuryRelieve, disconnect, or restrain stored energy .
Inadequate communicationAccidental re-energizationNotify all affected employees before and after LOTO device application .

5. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Proper PPE must be worn at all times during LOTO procedures to protect against potential hazards.

  • Safety glasses - Protect eyes from debris and energy release.
  • Insulated gloves - Protect hands from electrical hazards.
  • Hard hats - Protect head from falling objects.
  • Safety shoes - Protect feet from heavy objects and slips.

Inspect PPE before use and replace any damaged equipment immediately.

6. Equipment and Tools

Use appropriate lockout and tagout devices to ensure energy isolation.

  • Locks - Secure energy isolating devices in the "off" position .
  • Tags - Clearly indicate that the device should not be operated .
  • Chains and wedges - Additional securing devices as needed .

Inspect all equipment and tools before use to ensure they are in good condition.

7. Pre-Job Requirements

7.1 Training and Competency

All employees must be trained in LOTO procedures and demonstrate competency in their application .

7.2 Pre-Job Briefing

Conduct a briefing to review the LOTO procedure, identify energy sources, and discuss potential hazards.

7.3 Work Area Preparation

Ensure the work area is clear of non-essential items and that all employees are aware of the LOTO procedure being implemented.

8. Safe Work Procedure Steps

Step 1: Preparation for Shutdown

  • Identify all energy sources.
  • Notify affected employees of the shutdown.
  • Review the procedure for shutting down equipment .

Step 2: Machine or Equipment Shutdown

  • Turn off the machine using established procedures.
  • Ensure an orderly shutdown to avoid additional hazards .

Step 3: Isolation of Energy Sources

  • Locate and operate all energy isolating devices.
  • Ensure complete isolation from energy sources .

Step 4: Application of Lockout/Tagout Devices

  • Affix lockout devices to each energy isolating device.
  • Attach tagout devices to indicate the equipment should not be operated .

Step 5: Release of Stored Energy

  • Relieve or restrain all stored energy.
  • Verify that all energy sources are isolated .

Step 6: Verification of Isolation

  • Verify that the machine is de-energized and safe to work on.
  • Test the machine to ensure it cannot be operated .

9. Precautions and Safety Measures

  • Ensure all employees are clear of the equipment before applying LOTO devices.
  • Use only standardized and durable LOTO devices .
  • Conduct periodic inspections to ensure compliance .

10. Emergency Procedures

10.1 General Emergency Response

  • Evacuate the area if an unexpected energization occurs.
  • Contact emergency services if necessary.

10.2 Specific Emergency Scenarios

  • Unexpected Energization - Immediately stop work and reapply LOTO devices.
  • Injury During LOTO - Provide first aid and contact emergency services.

10.3 Emergency Contact Information

[List of emergency contacts and their phone numbers]

11. Incident Reporting and Investigation

Report all incidents, near-misses, and hazards to a supervisor immediately. Participate in investigations to identify root causes and prevent recurrence.

12. References and Related Documents

  • OSHA 29 CFR 1910.147
  • [Reference 2]
  • [Reference 3]

Approved by: [NAME AND POSITION] Date: [APPROVAL DATE]

Safety powered by SALUS

This answer was preserved from its published ai.salussafety.io page. The legacy export contains no separate citation records for this answer, so SALUS has not invented any.

Related Q&A

Keep exploring.

Human questionGeneral

Write a toolbox talk on working around water

Working Safely Near Water Hazards ================================= *Date:** 2026-01-15 *Duration:** \[DURATION] minutes *Presenter:** \[PRESENTER NAME] *Location:** \[LOCATION] Objective To ensure all personnel understand the risks associated with working near water and the necessary precautions to prevent accidents

Read the thread
Human questionGeneral

Lock out tag outs

Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) Procedures and Safety Regulations ======================================================= *Date:** 2025-09-23 *Duration:** \[DURATION] minutes *Presenter:** \[PRESENTER NAME] *Location:** \[LOCATION] Objective To understand and apply Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) procedures to ensure equipment is safely

Read the thread
Human questionGeneral

Give me a audit for a construction site

Safety Audit Checklist for Construction Site Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment ====================================================================================== This checklist provides a framework for conducting safety audits on construction sites, focusing on hazard identification and risk assessment. It

Read the thread
Human questionGeneral

formal hazard assessment

Formal Hazard Assessment Procedures and Risk Assessment Documentation ===================================================================== *Assessment Date:** \[DATE] *Assessor:** \[ASSESSOR NAME] *Department/Area:** \[DEPARTMENT/AREA] *Review Date:** \[REVIEW DATE] 1\. Assessment Scope This risk assessment covers the

Read the thread
Human questionUS

Write a safe work procedure for Confined space entry

Confined Space Entry ==================== Document Number: \[SWP-NUMBER] Revision Date: \[DATE] Next Review Date: \[NEXT REVIEW DATE] Department: \[DEPARTMENT NAME] 1\. Scope This safe work procedure applies to planning, preparing for, and performing entry into permit-required confined spaces where workers may be

Read the thread
Discussion thread

Add your experience.

Community answers can add practical context. They are moderated, but they are not SALUS-reviewed safety guidance.

New contributions are temporarily closed while the moderation queue is configured.

Community answers(0)

No community answers have been approved yet.

Comments on Rosie's answer(0)

No comments have been approved yet.

Ready to put operational safety to work?

Join 400K users across 150K sites already on SALUS.

No commitment · 30-minute personalized walkthrough