LOTO FAQ
Lockout/Tagout protects employees from the unexpected startup or release of hazardous energy while servicing or maintaining equipment. Only trained Authorized Employees may perform LOTO.
General Authorization & Usage
Only those who have attended the LOTO Authorized Employee (AE) training. If you need LOTO AE training, work with your supervisor and Safety to schedule it.
To protect yourself from uncontrolled energy. LOTO failures often result in serious injury or death.
When removing guards, bypassing safety devices, or working where machine startup could cause injury.
Lock & Security Rules
No. Only the person doing the work holds the key to their LOTO lock and has the authority to remove it.
You and your supervisor must follow the Abandoned Lock Procedure, which outlines specific exceptions and steps to safely remove another person's lock.
No. Each person working on the equipment must place their own lock and tag on the energy isolation device to ensure personal safety.
No. LOTO locks are strictly used to protect active workers. Use a Holdout lock/tag to secure equipment when no active work is taking place.
Energy Isolation & Devices
Electrical, mechanical, chemical, thermal, pneumatic, hydraulic, gas, steam, and other hazardous energy sources.
Always lock out primary sources and control or release secondary or stored energy such as motion, pressure, and gravity.
A mechanical device that physically prevents the release of energy and displays position, such as ON/OFF or OPEN/CLOSED.
Examples include circuit breakers, disconnect switches, and valves.
Yes, if the only energy source is a single plug and cord that can be controlled by unplugging the equipment, provided the plug remains under your exclusive control.
Procedures & Steps
- Prepare for shutdown: Understand the equipment and notify affected employees.
- Shutdown: Shut off power.
- Isolate energy source: Disconnect all energy sources.
- Apply LOTO device, lock, and tag: Lock out energy isolation devices.
- Release/control stored energy: Check for secondary or stored energy.
- Verify: Survey the area, check gauges, and look or listen for residual energy. Use a meter for electrical verification.
- Reassemble equipment: Reinstall guards and safety devices and clear all tools.
- Notify: Inform affected employees that the lock is being removed.
- Remove & test: Remove the lock and verify proper equipment operation.
Lock Colors & Locations
Lockout Devices: 45 N Charter
Locks: 30 N Mills (Lock Shop)
| Shop / Group | Lock Color |
|---|---|
| Electric Shop | Red |
| Machine Shop | Black |
| Carpenter Shop | Yellow |
| Paint Shop | Blue |
| Sheetmetal Shop | Orange |
| Plumbing Shop | Silver |
| Steamfitters Shop | Purple |
| Maintenance Mechanics | Green |
| Asset Management Group | Brown |
Training & Compliance
Best practice is an annual review of LOTO processes. Formal Authorized Employee LOTO training must be completed every 3 years.