Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) Electrical Safety is a crucial safety protocol designed to prevent the unexpected energization or startup of machines and equipment during maintenance and servicing operations. In an industrial setting, the potential risks posed by electrical systems, including electric shock, arc flashes, and even fatal injuries, make LOTO procedures indispensable for safeguarding workers. This article explores the importance of LOTO in electrical safety, the procedures involved, and how organizations can ensure a safer work environment.

What is LOTO Electrical Safety? LOTO stands for Lockout/Tagout, which refers to the practice of securing energy sources to prevent the accidental release of hazardous energy during the maintenance or servicing of equipment. In the context of electrical safety, this means locking out electrical energy sources and tagging them with clear warnings to indicate that workers must not operate or attempt to engage the energy source while maintenance is being performed. LOTO procedures are not just a regulatory requirement—they are vital to protecting the health and lives of workers who perform repair, maintenance, or servicing tasks on electrical equipment.