Safety is the cornerstone of any successful workplace, especially in industries where hazardous machinery and equipment are in use. One of the most essential safety protocols for protecting workers from injuries or fatalities during maintenance or repair activities is the Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) procedure. This critical safety system ensures that equipment is properly shut off and isolated from all energy sources before maintenance or repair work begins.

What is Lockout/Tagout (LOTO)? Lockout/Tagout is a safety procedure used to prevent the accidental release of hazardous energy during the maintenance and servicing of machinery and equipment. The term “Lockout” refers to the physical locking of energy-isolating devices to prevent machines from being accidentally turned on, while “Tagout” involves placing a warning tag to inform others that the equipment is under maintenance and should not be operated. LOTO is essential in a variety of workplaces, including factories, power plants, and construction sites, where employees work with machines, electrical circuits, or pressurized systems. The aim is to protect workers from the dangers of sudden machine movements, electrical shocks, burns, and other potential hazards that can occur if energy sources are not properly controlled during maintenance activities.