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 of energy isolating devices whenever maintenance or servicing is done on machines or equipment. It ensures that the machine or equipment is stopped, isolated from all potentially hazardous energy sources, and locked out before employees perform any servicing or maintenance where unexpected energization or start-up of the machine or equipment or release of stored energy could cause injury.

This procedure applies to all employees involved in servicing and maintenance activities where the unexpected energization or release of stored energy could cause injury. It is applicable in all work environments where such activities are performed.

2. Definitions

Lockout
The placement of a lockout device on an energy isolating device, ensuring that the energy isolating device and the equipment being controlled cannot be operated until the lockout device is removed .

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

Authorized Employee
A person who locks out or tags out machines or equipment in order to perform servicing or maintenance on that machine or equipment .

3. Responsibilities

3.1 Supervisors

Ensure all employees are trained in LOTO procedures.
Verify compliance with LOTO procedures during maintenance activities.
Conduct periodic inspections of LOTO procedures.

3.2 Workers

Follow all LOTO procedures as trained.
Report any issues or deviations from LOTO procedures to supervisors.
Ensure personal locks and tags are applied correctly.

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 from moving parts	Use lockout devices to isolate energy sources .
Stored energy	Release causing injury	Relieve, disconnect, or restrain stored energy .
Inadequate lockout	Equipment start-up	Verify isolation and de-energization .

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 debris and accidental contact.
Gloves - Protect hands from sharp edges and electrical hazards.
Hard Hat - Protect head from falling objects.
Safety Shoes - Protect feet from heavy objects and slips.

Inspect PPE before use and replace any damaged items immediately.

6. Equipment and Tools

Proper equipment and tools must be used to ensure effective lockout and tagout.

Lockout Devices - Secure energy isolating devices in a safe position .
Tagout Devices - Provide clear warnings and instructions .
Multimeter - Verify de-energization of electrical circuits.

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

7. Pre-Job Requirements

7.1 Training and Competency

All employees must be trained in LOTO procedures and demonstrate competency in applying these procedures .

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 shutdown.
Review the LOTO procedure for the specific equipment .

Step 2: Machine or Equipment Shutdown

Turn off the machine or equipment using normal shutdown procedures.
Ensure all moving parts have stopped .

Step 3: Machine or Equipment Isolation

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

Step 4: Lockout or Tagout Device Application

Apply lockout or tagout devices to each energy isolating device.
Ensure devices are applied in a manner that holds the energy isolating devices in a safe or off position .

Step 5: Stored Energy Release

Relieve, disconnect, or restrain all potentially hazardous stored or residual energy .

Step 6: Verification of Isolation

Verify that isolation and de-energization of the machine or equipment have been accomplished .

9. Precautions and Safety Measures

Ensure all employees are clear of the equipment before applying LOTO.
Use only approved lockout and tagout devices.
Never bypass or ignore LOTO devices.

10. Emergency Procedures

10.1 General Emergency Response

In case of an emergency, immediately stop work and notify a supervisor.

10.2 Specific Emergency Scenarios

Unexpected Energization - Immediately stop work and reapply LOTO devices.

10.3 Emergency Contact Information

[List of emergency contacts and their phone numbers]

11. Incident Reporting and Investigation

Report any incidents, near-misses, or 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
Oregon Safe Employment Act

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