In industrial environments, worker safety is paramount. Among the various safety measures in place, “Lock Out Tags” (LOTO) play a crucial role in ensuring that employees are protected from hazardous equipment during maintenance, repair, or servicing. This article will delve into what Lock Out Tags are, how they are used, and why they are essential in fostering a safe and secure working environment.

What are Lock Out Tags? Lock Out Tags (LOTO) refer to the system and tools used to prevent the accidental or unauthorized release of hazardous energy from machinery and equipment. It is part of a larger safety procedure known as Lockout/Tagout, which is specifically designed to safeguard workers when performing maintenance or repairs on machinery. This system includes physical locks to secure energy sources (such as electrical power or compressed air) and tags that inform others of the ongoing maintenance work. Lock Out involves physically isolating the machine from its energy sources by placing a lock on the energy control mechanism, preventing it from being turned on. Tag Out, on the other hand, involves placing a visible warning tag on the machine, indicating that it is unsafe to operate.