LOTO Electrical Safety: Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) procedures are critical for ensuring the safety of workers when servicing electrical equipment. These procedures are designed to prevent accidental energization, unexpected startup, or the release of hazardous energy, which could result in injuries or fatalities. In many industries, such as manufacturing, construction, and utilities, the importance of implementing effective LOTO measures cannot be overstated. This article will provide an overview of LOTO electrical safety, its importance, and the steps involved in a successful implementation.

What is LOTO Electrical Safety? Lockout/Tagout refers to the practice of isolating all forms of hazardous energy—such as electrical, mechanical, hydraulic, or pneumatic—during maintenance or repair work. The primary goal is to ensure that machines or equipment are properly shut down and cannot be accidentally started, preventing injuries from unexpected energy release. The term “lockout” refers to physically locking the energy-isolating devices in the “off” position, while “tagout” involves placing a clearly visible warning tag on the device, indicating that it is not to be operated until the maintenance is complete.