Lockout Tagout

The Lockout/Tagout Program (also called the Control of Hazardous Energy) protects employees from serious injury caused by the unexpected startup of machinery or the release of hazardous energy during service and maintenance. OSHA’s standard (29 CFR 1910.147) requires employers to develop and enforce procedures that ensure machines are properly shut down, locked, and tagged before any work begins.

A comprehensive LOTO program includes:

• Energy Control Procedures: Written step-by-step instructions for shutting down, isolating, and securing each machine or piece of equipment.

• Lockout Devices & Tags: Standardized locks and durable warning tags used to physically secure energy sources and indicate who applied them.

• Employee Training: Training “authorized employees” who perform lockout/tagout, “affected employees” who work near the equipment, and all other workers on the purpose and importance of LOTO.

• Periodic Inspections: Regular audits of lockout/tagout procedures to confirm they are followed correctly and remain effective.

• Communication: Clear protocols for notifying all employees before and after equipment is locked out or returned to service.

• Multiple Workers: Procedures for group lockout situations where more than one employee is working on the same equipment.

By following the Lockout/Tagout Program, organizations prevent unexpected machine startups, safeguard employees performing maintenance, and ensure compliance with OSHA regulations—protecting both workers and equipment.