Lock Out Tag Out (LOTO) is a crucial safety procedure used in industrial environments to control hazardous energy during maintenance or servicing of equipment. One of the core components of this procedure is the use of Lock Out Tag Out tags, which serve as a visual and physical reminder to workers that a piece of equipment is not to be operated until proper maintenance is complete. This article aims to explore the importance of LOTO tags, their purpose, types, and how they help in preventing workplace accidents.

What Are Lock Out Tag Out Tags? Lock Out Tag Out tags are safety labels attached to equipment that is undergoing maintenance or repair. These tags serve two main purposes： they inform workers about the status of the equipment and prevent the accidental energizing or operation of the machinery. The LOTO procedure involves two essential steps—locking the energy sources and tagging the equipment to prevent it from being turned on. Lockout refers to the practice of physically isolating the energy source by applying a lock to the equipment’s control switches or energy-isolating devices. Tagout, on the other hand, involves attaching a warning tag to the device to communicate to workers that the equipment must not be operated.