LOTO :- Lockout Tagout

www.safetygoodwe.com

Chapter : Lockout Tagout (LOTO)

Lockout Tagout
 
Lockout/tag out procedures is used to isolate hazardous energy sources from electrical, hydraulic, pneumatic or rotary machinery when service or maintenance work is required.         

Lockout/tag out devices helps prevent accidental start-up of equipment or machinery, and ensure personal safety from possible energy releases. 

Types of Hazardous Energy & Usafe of LOTO

1. Electrical LOTO – Isolates electrical energy sources.  
2. Mechanical LOTO – Prevents unintended motion of machinery.  
3. Hydraulic LOTO – Deactivates hydraulic systems safely.  
4. Pneumatic LOTO – Ensures compressed air systems are isolated.  
5. Thermal LOTO – Prevents exposure to high-temperature components.  
6. Chemical LOTO – Isolates hazardous substances in chemical environments.  
7. Gravity LOTO – Locks out equipment that may move due to gravitational force.  
8. Radiation LOTO – Prevents exposure to ionizing or non-ionizing radiation sources.

Take the following steps to help prevent exposure to hazardous energy:

• Know and follow all procedures for lockout/tag out in your workplace.
• Assume at all times that power is "on." This practice ensures a cautious approach that may prevent an accident or injury.
• Lockout and tag all machinery and equipment before performing maintenance.
• Do not lock out and tag machinery/equipment unless you are authorized to do so.
• Do not attempt to operate any switch, valve, or other energy isolating device bearing a lock or a tag.
• Do not remove tags from machines or equipment unless authorized to do so. 

When are Lockout - Tagout Procedures Required:

• Servicing/performing maintenance on energized equipment
• Any form of work on equipment when safety guards or measures are bypassed
• Any form of work which requires the individual to place any part of their body in the point of operation or designated danger zone 

When Are Lockout -Tagout Procedures Not Required:

• Minor tool changes or adjustments (i.e. blade and bit changes, table saw adjustments)
• Cord and plug controlled devices (i.e. portable power tools)
• Routine, repetitive changes or adjustments that are integral to the use of the equipment; provided the work is performed using alternative measures that provide effective protection

Lockout - Tagout Definitions:

• Affected Employee: An employee whose job requires them to operate or use a piece of equipment that is affected by the Lockout - Tagout or is working in the area where the maintenance/service is being performed
• Authorized Employee: A trained employee who locks out or tags out equipment to perform maintenance/service.
• Supervisor: The manager/supervisor of the Authorized Employee
• Lockout: The placement of a lockout device on an energy isolating device that ensures the equipment controlled by that energy isolating device cannot be operated until the lock is removed.
• Tagout: The placement of a tag on an energy isolating device notifying individuals of the work being performed. Harvard University policy never allows just a tag to be affixed to the energy isolating device, a lock and tag must be used anytime equipment needs to be de-energized and serviced

Stored or Residual Energy:

• Examples of stored or residual energy: Capacitors, springs, elevated components,rotating flywheels, hydraulic systems, and air, gas, steam water pressure etc. 
• Methods of Dissipating or Restraining: Grounding, repositioning, bleeding,blocking etc.

Always follow rules & regulations of country / state that only the person who applies the lock and/or tag can remove it, except in an emergency.