Electrical safety is a critical aspect of industrial operations, and one of the most effective ways to prevent electrical accidents and injuries is through the practice of Electrical Equipment Lockouts. This method involves locking and tagging electrical equipment to prevent it from being accidentally energized while maintenance or repair work is being carried out. As industries grow more complex and safety regulations tighten, understanding and implementing electrical equipment lockout procedures is not just a good practice—it is a legal requirement in many regions.

What Are Electrical Equipment Lockouts? At its core, Electrical Equipment Lockouts refer to a safety procedure used in workplaces where electrical systems or devices are involved. The lockout procedure ensures that equipment cannot be started or re-energized while a technician or worker is working on it. This is typically done using locks and warning tags, which physically secure power sources such as circuit breakers, switches, or valves, preventing unauthorized access or accidental activation. The process of locking and tagging equipment involves two main components: Lockout: A physical lock is applied to an electrical device’s energy-isolating mechanism to prevent its operation. Only authorized personnel should have the key or combination to unlock it.