Lock Out/Tag Out: Authorized Employees and Lock Removal

Lock Out/Tag Out Procedure

Lock Out/Tag Out (LOTO) is a safety procedure used in industry and research settings to ensure that dangerous machines are properly shut off and not able to be started up again prior to the completion of maintenance or repair work.

When using Lock Out/Tag Out, it is crucial that only authorized employees who are trained in the procedure are allowed to perform maintenance or repair work. These authorized employees are responsible for securing the energy-isolating devices, such as circuit breakers or valves, with their own locks.

Locks should be removed only by the employee who installed them, once it is safe to do so. This ensures that the authorized employees are in full control of the hazardous energy sources before starting any maintenance or repair work.

The general rule is that each employee working on the equipment should put their own lock on the energy-isolating device and keep the key in their possession until the work is completed. This practice prevents accidental start-up of machinery or equipment, keeping the work environment safe for everyone involved.