What is LoTo (Lockout - Tagout)?
Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) – a hazardous energy control practice used during equipment maintenance, repair, cleaning and other work. Identified energy sources are isolated and secured against reactivation, and stored energy is released or reliably controlled.
Before work begins, verify that isolation is effective and that the hazards identified for the specific task are controlled.
Why LOTO?
A stop button alone does not isolate every energy source. Procedures, trained personnel and appropriate equipment must work together.
Main LOTO equipment:
– a lockout suitable for the specific isolation device;
– safety padlock;
– information tag.
Their use and verification are defined in the procedure for the specific equipment.
The additional “To” is a reminder of “Tryout” – verifying that isolation is effective.
Lockout means locking out, Tagout – tagging out, and Tryout – verification before work begins. The verification method is selected according to the equipment and identified hazards.
LoToTo in practice, checking that the machine will not start is not enough. Residual pressure, raised parts, tensioned springs and other stored energy must also be considered. Electrical work also requires the appropriate verification of absence of voltage.
-> Lockout -> Tagout -> Tryout
During maintenance or repair, hazards may arise from electrical, mechanical, pneumatic, hydraulic and thermal energy, gravity and stored pressure.
Before selecting isolation measures, identify every energy source relevant to the specific task and how the sources interact.
Clearly mark energy isolation points, link them to the procedure and choose devices suitable for their construction. The sequence below is a reminder; the working method for a particular machine is defined in its own procedure.
Verify that isolation is effective before starting work, and review the procedure when working conditions or equipment change.
General provisions for the use of work equipment
Annex 1 “Minimum requirements”
Clause 2.14 provides for clearly identifiable devices to disconnect work equipment from all energy sources.
It also requires protection of employees against hazards arising from inadvertent or accidental reconnection.
Technical regulation “Machinery safety”
(under Directive 2006/42/EC) | Annex 1
Isolation of the energy source.
Clause 115 provides for clearly identifiable means of isolation and the ability to lock them where reconnection of energy could create a hazard.
Clauses 116–117 also address disconnection by removing a plug and the safe dissipation of residual or stored energy. The link opens the full regulation, including the applicable conditions.
Safety rules for the operation of electrical installations
VI. TECHNICAL MEASURES. WORK ON DISCONNECTED EQUIPMENT
Electrical work requires specific measures to prepare the workplace: disconnection, protection against unexpected or inadvertent start-up, prohibition signs, verification of absence of voltage and other measures required for the work. Check the current edition of the rules for the full procedure and conditions of application.
Safety rules for the operation of thermal installations
ORGANISING WORK AND PREPARING EQUIPMENT FOR REPAIR
Repair of thermal installations requires reliable disconnection from connected systems, protection against unintended entry of energy or process media, and clear identification. Specific actions, responsibilities and records are defined by the applicable rules and the equipment's operating documentation. The link opens the current consolidated edition of the rules.
Skipping steps is dangerous!
Group LoToTo is used when several people work on the equipment. Each employee must retain personal control, with clear arrangements for coordinating the work.
The principle of group LoToTo: keys for the padlocks used at isolation points can be kept in a group Lock Box, to which employees attach their personal padlocks according to the established procedure.
Plan in advance how employees join and leave the work, how contractors participate, and how shifts hand over.
PDF in LithuanianWhat does this guide cover?
The guide helps you start or improve your lockout and tagout programme, bringing together procedures, employee training and appropriate equipment.
Brady LOTO solutions includes padlocks, lockouts, tags and group lockout equipment. Select the actions for each machine according to its documentation and the task being performed.
