Lockout/Tagout, or LOTO, ensures that any hazardous industrial equipment is properly shut off and locked when not in use or during maintenance and repair. Lockout/tagout equipment isolates the energy and disconnects the machine from any power sources. Machines can pose a serious hazard if they accidentally turn on during cleaning or maintenance, and lockout/tagout equipment can prevent this from happening. The equipment sends a clear message to industrial workers that the machine is off and disconnected from power, as set by OSHA standards. Anyone who uses lockout/tagout equipment needs to be trained in recognizing the applicable hazardous energy sources within the workplace, to ensure they can properly handle the equipment and use it correctly.
Lockout/Tagout Technical Information: Types, Uses and Standards
Lockout/Tagout
Lockout/Tagout Standards:
The OSHA standard for the Control of Hazardous Energy, 29 CFR 1910.147, outlines the practices and procedures required to disable machinery or equipment, thereby preventing the release of hazardous energy during servicing and maintenance activities. The standard outlines measure controlling hazardous energies - electrical, mechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic, chemical, thermal, and other energy sources.
Additionally, 29 CFR 1910.333 outlines requirements for protecting employees working on electrical circuits and equipment. This section requires workers to use safe work practices, including lockout and tagging procedures. These provisions apply when employees are exposed to electrical hazards while working on, near, or with conductors or systems that use electrical energy.
Types of Lockout/Tagout Equipment:
Padlocks
Lockout/tagout locks, or LOTO locks, resemble regular padlocks but are specifically designed to shut down equipment and stop the flow of energy. These padlocks are not intended for general use, like locking a locker or bicycle; they are designed with bright colors and have specific markings to indicate the locking of the machine.
Lockout Hasps
Lockout hasps help users who need to lock out energy on the same piece of equipment. Each hasp is designed with holes in which a lockout padlock can attach and is often used in group lockout scenarios. Once a padlock is attached to a hasp, the machine is locked out and cannot be accessed until all padlocks are removed. These hasps are designed with durable, non-conductive materials to ensure the safety of the users and electrical machines.
Lockout Cinch Bags
Lockout cinch bags create a physical barrier for lockout/tagout padlocks and hasps. These bags prevent access to the controls or plugs of a machine, adding an extra layer of security when the machine is locked out. These bags are often designed with heavy-duty materials to withstand multiple uses in high-traffic industrial areas. There is a locking mechanism on lockout cinch bags, and only trained and certified personnel can unlock the bag when the machine is ready for use.