A lockout/tagout (LOTO) procedure is used to control hazardous energy sources during servicing and maintenance of machines and equipment [1]. The purpose of LOTO is to prevent injury or death from the unexpected start-up or release of hazardous energy [2].

Here are the general steps for LOTO:

1. Preparation for shutdown: The authorized employee must understand the type and magnitude of energy, the hazards, and the methods to control the energy 6, 10, 20.
2. Machine or equipment shutdown: Shut down the machine using established procedures, ensuring an orderly shutdown to avoid additional hazards 6, 10, 20.
3. Machine or equipment isolation: Locate and operate all necessary energy-isolating devices to isolate the machine from the energy source(s) 6, 10, 20.
4. Lockout/Tagout device application: Affix lockout or tagout devices to each energy-isolating device. Lockout devices should hold the device in a 'safe' or 'off' position, while tagout devices should clearly indicate that operation or movement of the device is prohibited 6, 10, 20.
5. Stored energy: Relieve, disconnect, restrain or render safe all potentially hazardous stored or residual energy 6, 12, 20. If there is a possibility of reaccumulation of stored energy, continue verification of isolation until servicing or maintenance is complete [3].
6. Verification of isolation: Before starting work, verify that isolation and de-energization have been accomplished 6, 12.

Before removing LOTO devices and restoring energy, the authorized employee(s) must ensure [3]:

• The work area is clear of nonessential items and machine components are intact [3].
• All employees are safely positioned or removed from the work area [3].
• Affected employees are notified before the machine or equipment is started 6, 10, 12, 16.
• Each LOTO device is removed by the employee who applied it [3].

Employers must establish a program that includes energy control procedures, employee training, and periodic inspections 8, 15. Training should cover the purpose and function of the energy control program, as well as the knowledge and skills for safe application, usage, and removal of energy controls 13, 14. Retraining is required when there are changes in job assignments, machines, equipment, processes, or energy control procedures, or when inspections reveal inadequacies in the employee's knowledge or use of the procedures 6, 16.