Tagout is a critical safety procedure used to prevent accidents in workplaces, especially in industries that involve machinery and equipment maintenance. It forms part of the broader Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) program, which is designed to safeguard workers from the accidental release of hazardous energy. While Lockout involves physically locking equipment to prevent operation, Tagout takes a slightly different approach by using warning tags to indicate that equipment is out of service and should not be operated. In this article, we will explore the importance of Tagout, its implementation, and the benefits it provides in maintaining a safe work environment.

What is Tagout? Tagout refers to the process of placing a physical tag or label on equipment or machinery that has been shut down for maintenance or repair. The tag serves as a warning to other workers that the machine or device is not in operation and should not be re-energized or operated until the tag is removed. While the Lockout procedure involves physically locking the machinery or equipment to prevent it from starting, Tagout involves hanging a tag with essential safety information, such as the name of the maintenance worker and the reason for the shutdown. Why Tagout is Important