The Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) device is a critical tool used in industrial safety practices. It plays a vital role in ensuring that workers are protected from hazardous energy sources while performing maintenance or repair on machinery and equipment. The primary purpose of LOTO devices is to prevent accidents and injuries by controlling the release of stored energy, such as electrical, mechanical, hydraulic, or pneumatic energy, that can be potentially dangerous during maintenance work. In this article, we will explore the importance, functionality, and types of LOTO devices used in industrial settings.

What is a LOTO Device? LOTO devices are safety tools used to secure machinery and prevent accidental start-ups or the release of hazardous energy. They are primarily employed during maintenance activities to isolate and control energy sources that might inadvertently activate equipment or machinery, posing risks to workers. LOTO devices work by physically locking a machine’s energy source in a safe position and marking it with warning tags or labels to signal that maintenance work is underway. This system ensures that the equipment cannot be powered on until the maintenance task is fully completed, and the devices are removed.