Safe Work Procedure: Lock Out Tag Out (LOTO)

Document Number: [SWP-NUMBER]
Revision Date: [DATE]
Next Review Date: [NEXT REVIEW DATE]
Department: [DEPARTMENT NAME]

1. Scope

This procedure covers the lockout and tagout (LOTO) of energy isolating devices to ensure that machines and equipment are isolated from energy sources before any maintenance or servicing activities are performed. It applies to all employees, contractors, and visitors involved in servicing and maintenance activities where the unexpected energization or release of stored energy could cause injury.

This procedure applies to all types of energy sources including electrical, mechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic, chemical, and thermal energy. It should be used in conjunction with other safety procedures and standards, such as OSHA 29 CFR 1910.147.

2. Definitions

Lockout
The placement of a lockout device on an energy isolating device to ensure that the device and the equipment being controlled cannot be operated until the lockout device is removed [1].

Tagout
The placement of a tagout device on an energy isolating device to indicate that the device and the equipment being controlled may not be operated until the tagout device is removed [1].

Authorized Employee
An employee who locks out or tags out machines or equipment to perform servicing or maintenance [2].

3. Responsibilities

3.1 Supervisors

• Ensure all employees are trained in LOTO procedures.
• Verify that LOTO procedures are followed correctly.
• Conduct periodic inspections of LOTO procedures [3].

3.2 Workers

• Follow all LOTO procedures as trained.
• Use appropriate lockout and tagout devices.
• Report any issues or deviations in LOTO procedures to supervisors.

3.3 Health and Safety Representative

• Assist in the development and review of LOTO procedures.
• Participate in incident investigations related to LOTO.

4. Potential Hazards and Risks

Hazard	Risk	Control Measures
Unexpected energization	Injury or death	Use lockout devices to isolate energy sources [1].
Stored energy	Release causing injury	Relieve, disconnect, or restrain stored energy [4].
Inadequate communication	Accidental startup	Notify all affected employees before and after LOTO [5].

5. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Proper PPE must be worn at all times during LOTO procedures to protect against potential hazards.

• Safety glasses - Protect eyes from flying debris.
• Gloves - Protect hands from electrical and mechanical hazards.
• Hard hats - Protect head from falling objects.
• Hearing protection - Use in noisy environments.
• Safety shoes - Protect feet from heavy objects.

Inspect PPE before use and replace any damaged items immediately.

6. Equipment and Tools

Use appropriate lockout and tagout devices to ensure energy isolation.

• Locks - Secure energy isolating devices in the "off" position.
• Tags - Indicate that equipment is not to be operated.
• Lockout hasps - Allow multiple locks to be used on a single device.
• Circuit breaker lockouts - Secure circuit breakers in the "off" position.
• Valve lockouts - Secure valves in the closed position.

Inspect all equipment and tools before use to ensure they are in good condition.

7. Pre-Job Requirements

7.1 Training and Competency

All employees must receive training on LOTO procedures and demonstrate competency in their application [6].

7.2 Pre-Job Briefing

Conduct a pre-job briefing to review the LOTO procedure, identify energy sources, and discuss potential hazards.

7.3 Work Area Preparation

Ensure the work area is clear of non-essential items and that all employees are aware of the LOTO procedure being implemented.

8. Safe Work Procedure Steps

Step 1: Preparation for Shutdown

• Identify all energy sources.
• Notify affected employees of the LOTO procedure.
• Prepare to shut down the equipment [6].

Step 2: Machine or Equipment Shutdown

• Turn off the machine or equipment using established procedures.
• Ensure an orderly shutdown to avoid additional hazards [5].

Step 3: Isolation of Energy Sources

• Locate and operate all energy isolating devices to isolate the machine or equipment from energy sources [6].

Step 4: Application of Lockout/Tagout Devices

• Affix lockout or tagout devices to each energy isolating device.
• Ensure devices are clearly marked and identifiable [3].

Step 5: Release of Stored Energy

• Relieve, disconnect, or restrain all stored energy sources [4].

Step 6: Verification of Isolation

• Verify that the machine or equipment is isolated and de-energized before starting work [4].

9. Precautions and Safety Measures

• Ensure all employees are trained and competent in LOTO procedures.
• Use only approved lockout and tagout devices.
• Communicate clearly with all affected employees.
• Verify isolation before starting work.
• Conduct periodic inspections of LOTO procedures.

10. Emergency Procedures

10.1 General Emergency Response

• Evacuate the area if an unexpected energization occurs.
• Report the incident to a supervisor immediately.

10.2 Specific Emergency Scenarios

• Unexpected Energization - Evacuate and notify a supervisor.
• Injury During LOTO - Provide first aid and call emergency services.

10.3 Emergency Contact Information

[List of emergency contacts and their phone numbers]

11. Incident Reporting and Investigation

Report all incidents, near-misses, and hazards to a supervisor immediately. An investigation will be conducted to determine the cause and prevent recurrence.

12. References and Related Documents

• OSHA 29 CFR 1910.147 - The Control of Hazardous Energy (Lockout/Tagout)
• [Reference 2]
• [Reference 3]

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Approved by: [NAME AND POSITION]
Date: [APPROVAL DATE]

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