Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) equipment plays a critical role in industrial safety by ensuring that machinery and equipment are properly de-energized during maintenance or repair activities. The purpose of LOTO is to prevent the unexpected release of hazardous energy, which could result in severe injuries or even fatalities. By implementing LOTO procedures, companies are able to protect their employees from the risks associated with the accidental startup of machinery, electrical failures, or the inadvertent release of stored energy.

What is LOTO Equipment? LOTO stands for Lockout/Tagout, which is a safety procedure used to ensure that dangerous machinery is properly shut off and cannot be accidentally started up while maintenance or repair work is being done. LOTO equipment typically includes locks, tags, and lockout devices, all of which are designed to physically isolate energy sources, effectively rendering the equipment inoperative. Locks: The most basic component of LOTO equipment, locks are used to secure energy-isolating devices (such as switches, valves, or circuit breakers) in the off position. Only the person who applies the lock has access to it, ensuring that they are the only one able to remove it.