18/07/2022
WEEKLY SAFETY NUGGETS
Basic steps to a LOTO procedure
Workplace safety is always important, and one would hope that equipment operators and those in their vicinity have the appropriate safety precautions and training in place during normal routine operations. But what about non-routine activities, such as needing to repair something? We have all heard horror stories: A worker sticks their arm into a machine to clear out a jam, or steps into an industrial oven to make an adjustment, and an unaware colleague turns on the power.
LOTO procedures are meant to prevent such disasters. LOTO programs are all about the control of hazardous energy. That means electricity of course, but also anything else that can hurt someone, including air, heat, water, chemicals, hydraulics and so on.
The eight basic steps to a LOTO procedure are as follows:
Prepare for the shutdown. An important part of preparedness is being appropriately trained and aware of the hazardous energy sources involved and how to control them.
Notify affected employees. Ensure that workers in the affected area are fully aware of the impending lockout.
Shut down the equipment. This should be done in a safe and orderly manner, in accordance with the equipment-specific procedure or operating manual.
Isolate energy sources. For example, a circuit breaker or valve that supplies energy to the equipment.
Apply LOTO devices to energy sources. This is a device, such as a padlock, that physically prevents the equipment from being energized. Each person involved in the lockout (OSHA defines them as authorized employees) will have their own lockout device, and it will feature a tag displaying who locked it out, when and why. Multiple lockout devices on one piece of equipment are common.
Release/control all stored energy. For example: compressed air, capacitors that hold an electrical charge or stored mechanical energy like compressed springs.
Verify the lockout. This is the most important step, and the one most
