In many industrial environments, workers are exposed to significant risks due to the complex machinery and systems they operate. The safe operation, maintenance, and repair of these systems are crucial to ensuring not only the safety of employees but also the overall operational efficiency of a company. One of the most important safety protocols used to mitigate these risks is the Lock Out Tag Out (LOTO) procedure.

What is Lock Out Tag Out (LOTO)? Lock Out Tag Out refers to a safety procedure used in various industries to prevent the accidental release of hazardous energy while workers are servicing equipment. This practice involves two main components: lockout and tagout. Lockout refers to the physical locking of energy-isolating devices, such as switches or valves, while tagout involves placing a warning tag on the equipment to indicate that it is being serviced and should not be operated. The core goal of LOTO is to eliminate the potential for hazardous energy release during maintenance, which can occur in various forms, such as electrical, hydraulic, pneumatic, or thermal energy. Without proper isolation, these energies can unexpectedly activate equipment, leading to injuries or even fatalities.