Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) procedures are crucial to ensure the safety of workers when maintaining or servicing machines and equipment in industrial environments. The concept of Lock Out Tag Out Locks is central to this procedure, which involves the use of locks and tags to secure equipment and prevent its accidental activation. This safety practice is designed to protect workers from potential injuries caused by the unexpected release of energy, such as electricity, hydraulic pressure, or compressed air, during maintenance operations.

What are Lock Out Tag Out Locks? Lock Out Tag Out Locks are physical devices that prevent the operation of equipment by locking it in a safe, off position. These locks, often accompanied by tags, are applied to energy-isolating devices—such as electrical switches, circuit breakers, valve handles, or machine shutoff mechanisms—during maintenance or repair activities. The primary goal of these locks is to control hazardous energy sources and ensure that machinery cannot be inadvertently activated while being worked on. There are two main components in the Lock Out Tag Out procedure： the lock and the tag.