Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) safety is a critical safety procedure used in industrial environments to ensure that hazardous energy sources are properly controlled during maintenance or repair work. The purpose of LOTO is to prevent unexpected machinery startup or the release of hazardous energy that could cause injury or even fatalities. This safety protocol is particularly vital in high-risk industries such as manufacturing, construction, chemical processing, and utilities, where workers often interact with powerful and dangerous equipment.

What is LOTO Safety? LOTO stands for Lockout and Tagout, two distinct but complementary safety actions. Lockout refers to the physical locking of energy-isolating devices such as circuit breakers or valve handles to prevent the accidental release of energy. Tagout involves attaching a warning tag to the energy-isolating device, informing others that maintenance work is being conducted and that the device should not be operated until the tag is removed. By combining these two actions, LOTO ensures that employees working on machines or equipment are protected from inadvertent startup or energy release, which is a common cause of industrial accidents. The LOTO safety procedure is designed to provide a standardized method for workers to follow, reducing the likelihood of human error and increasing safety during maintenance activities.