Lock Out Tag Out (LOTO) is a critical safety procedure used to protect workers from the accidental release of hazardous energy during the maintenance or servicing of machinery and equipment. The Lock Out Tag Out tags, a key part of this process, are essential tools in ensuring that workers are aware of potential dangers and that machinery remains safely isolated. This article will explore the significance of LOTO tags, how they are used, and why they are indispensable in various industries.

What is Lock Out Tag Out (LOTO)? Lock Out Tag Out is a safety procedure primarily used in industrial settings to control hazardous energy. Hazardous energy sources such as electricity, hydraulics, compressed air, and even gravity can cause serious injuries or fatalities if a machine is accidentally activated while being serviced. LOTO procedures involve the physical isolation of these energy sources, typically by using locks and tags to prevent machinery from being started during maintenance. Lock Out refers to physically locking the equipment’s energy sources, such as power switches or valves, to ensure that they cannot be accidentally turned on. Tag Out, on the other hand, involves placing a tag on the locked-out equipment to warn others that it is being serviced and should not be operated.