In industrial environments, ensuring the safety of workers during maintenance and repair activities is of paramount importance. One of the most effective ways to safeguard employees from unexpected injuries caused by the accidental release of energy from machines and equipment is through the implementation of Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) procedures. At the heart of these procedures is the padlock for LOTO, a simple yet vital tool that plays a significant role in preventing workplace accidents.

What is Lockout/Tagout (LOTO)? LOTO refers to a safety protocol used to prevent machinery from being accidentally started or energized while employees are working on them. It involves the isolation and securing of energy sources through locks and tags to ensure that equipment cannot be operated until the lock is removed by the person who applied it. This process is essential in industries where machines are regularly serviced, repaired, or maintained, such as manufacturing, energy production, and chemical processing. The LOTO program is designed to protect workers from injuries that might occur if machinery or electrical systems are accidentally turned on during maintenance. Common hazards include electrical shock, burns, amputation, and other serious injuries that can occur when workers are exposed to energized equipment.