Lockout/Tagout (LOTO)
Lockout/Tagout refers to safety procedures used to ensure that machines and equipment are properly shut down, de-energized, and secured before maintenance or service work is performed. Governed by OSHA standard 29 CFR 1910.147 (General Industry) and applied in construction through 29 CFR 1926 Subpart K, LOTO procedures prevent unexpected startup or release of stored energy that could cause injury or death. Workers must be trained in both lockout and tagout procedures specific to the equipment they service.
Lockout/Tagout is one of the most critical safety programs in both construction and general industry. OSHA's standard covers the servicing and maintenance of machines and equipment in which the unexpected energization, startup, or release of stored energy could harm workers. The standard addresses multiple forms of hazardous energy including electrical, mechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic, chemical, thermal, and gravitational energy. Each energy source associated with a piece of equipment must be identified and controlled before service work begins.
The LOTO program requires employers to develop machine-specific energy control procedures that detail the steps for shutting down, isolating, blocking, and securing machines to prevent the release of hazardous energy. Each authorized employee performing the service work must apply their own individual lock and tag to the energy isolation device, ensuring that only the person who applied the lock can remove it. When multiple employees are working on the same equipment, each person applies their own lock under a group lockout procedure. Before starting work, the authorized employee must verify that the equipment is fully de-energized by attempting to start it using normal controls.
OSHA requires three levels of LOTO training: authorized employees (who perform the actual lockout), affected employees (who operate the equipment being serviced), and other employees (who work in areas where LOTO is in use). Authorized employees must receive detailed training in recognizing hazardous energy sources, the type and magnitude of energy present, and the specific procedures for energy isolation and control. Retraining is required whenever there is a change in job assignments, a change in energy control procedures, a new hazard is introduced, or whenever there is reason to believe an employee's knowledge is inadequate. LOTO training must be documented, including the employee's name, the date of training, and the identity of the trainer. Tracking LOTO training certifications ensures every worker authorized to perform energy control procedures has current, documented training.