Last edited 18 Sep 2020

Lock out tag out LOTO

Photo credit: SmartSign from MySafetySign.com, Flickr, source: https://flic.kr/p/gE26vy.

1 Introduction
2 UK practices
3 OSHA practices
4 EU practices
5 Creating LOTO policy
6 Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
7 External resources

[edit] Introduction

Lock out tag out (also referred to as lockout/tagout or LOTO) is a safety procedure that protects workers from using machinery that could be dangerous if the power source that operates the equipment is not shut off properly. This practice is also used when machinery needs to be disconnected in order to carry out scheduled maintenance or repair work.

Lock out tag out prevents the machine from being inadvertently restarted while it is in a hazardous state. It also adds a layer of protection for workers who may come into contact with the machine while it is in an unsafe condition.

LOTO is often used when construction workers, electricians, machine operators or other labourers are doing jobs that involve - or are located in close proximity to - equipment that can be hazardous. Failure to control the power supply can result in electrocution, burns, lacerations, amputations and other serious injuries. For example, if LOTO is not used a jammed piece of equipment can suddenly restart, crushing the worker who is trying to clear the jam.

[edit] UK practices

Although this practice is not directly part of UK health and safety regulations, it is recognised as a best practice. Instead of lock out tag out, the UK follows the guidance such as BS 7671, Requirements for Electrical Installations. IET Wiring Regulations. This regulation covers required standards for wiring and electrical installations as well as providing guidance for the proper isolation of electrical equipment.

The operation and maintenance of manufacturing and construction machinery is covered under the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 (1999 in Northern Ireland) (PUWER). PUWER refers to lock out tag out safety devices, but it does not include guidance as a specific part of the regulation. Instead, PUWER makes a general recommendation akin to lock out tag out practices more closely aligned with those set forward by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) of the United States.

[edit] OSHA practices

The OSHA standard for lock out tag out has been adopted by many international organisations. Standard 1910.147 covers the control of hazardous energy.

According to the OSHA standard, there are three key points about the specific lock out tag out devices:

They must be identifiable.
They can only be used for controlling power supply.
They must be durable, standardised and substantial.

[edit] EU practices

EU 1989/655 guidelines for lock out tag out practices are OSHA based. There is also a specific safety procedure that should be followed when electric equipment is being serviced. This Standard, EN 50110-1, recommends the following five steps:

Disconnect the equipment completely.
Secure the machinery so it cannot be reconnected unintentionally.
Confirm the installation is not operating.
Perform earthing and short circuiting procedures.
Protect any live equipment that may be located in close proximity to the equipment being serviced.

[edit] Creating LOTO policy

Lock out tag out policy sets specific safety goals, provides instructions about how to undertake LOTO (by isolation) and explains the benefits and consequences of the policy.

Isolating equipment can include the following procedures:

Announcing shut off of the equipment.
Identifying the source(s) of energy.
Isolating source(s) of energy.
Locking and tagging sources of energy.
Proving that the isolation has been successful

Sometimes testing is added to this procedure (referred to as lock tag try or LTT). This takes place when there is an attempt to turn the equipment back on once the isolation step is complete.

It is important to coordinate all lock out tag out plans in advance and specify the duration of the work along with the equipment that will be isolated. It may also be necessary to mark work zones where the isolation will take place to minimise the risk of slip fall occurrences and to prevent access in hazardous areas.