Lockout Tagout: What is it and why should I care?
Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) is a safety practice used to make sure that dangerous machinery is safely shut off and cannot be restarted.
LOTO is contained in the OSHA Standard 1910.147: The control of hazardous energy (lockout/tagout).
926.702(j)(1): No employee shall be permitted to perform maintenance or repair activity on equipment (such as compressors, mixers, screens or pumps used for concrete and masonry construction activities) where the inadvertent operation of the equipment could occur and cause injury, unless all potentially hazardous energy sources have been locked out and tagged- OSHA.
(LOTO) is vitally important because it prevents injuries or death from the uncontrolled or unexpected release of energy.
Uncontrolled energy during maintenance or machine servicing is a leading cause of electrocution, amputations, crushing, and burns in construction and industrial areas. Therefore, it is imperative that workers utilize LOTO rules and regulations to ensure a safe environment.
According to OSHA, following proper Lockout/Tagout procedures prevents an estimated 120 fatalities and 50,000 injuries every year.
The top reasons LOTO is important to EVERY worker:
1. Prevents Unexpected Startup (release of energy) by ensuring that machines and equipment cannot accidentally be turned on while a person is working on them (and thereby protects workers from being caught in moving parts or systems).
2. Controls Hazardous Energy from a variety of sources such as:
- Electrical
- Mechanical
- Hydraulic
- Pneumatic
- Thermal
- Gravity
- Stored energy (springs, capacitors, pressure)
3. Reduces Injuries that can result in amputations, crushing, electrocution, burns or death.
4. OSHA Requirement. OSHA’s Control of Hazardous Energy standard (29 CFR 1910.147 and applicable construction provisions) requires employers to implement LOTO procedures and training. Compliance enables companies and owners to avoid citations, fines, and legal issues.
5. Improves Communication. Tags and locks clearly communicate that equipment is being serviced or used in some way and thereby reduces confusion-especially where multiple crews are working on or near the same equipment.
6. Protects Equipment and Prevents Damage by preventing unexpected startup that can damage tools, machinery, and materials. Therefore, LOTO protects expensive equipment and project timelines in addition to the workers who use them.
7. Strengthens Safety Culture. Consistent LOTO use reinforces a safety culture where workers have been taught to follow procedures, take time to control hazards, and look out for each other. A strong corporate safety culture leads to fewer accidents and higher morale.
Ultimately, Lockout/Tagout is not just a regulatory requirement; it is a practice that can save lives. In construction, where conditions can constantly change and multiple energy sources are common, adherence to LOTO procedures can mean the difference between an everyday job and a life-ending accident.
By identifying hazards, following procedures, and ensuring clear communication among workers, risk of injury on a jobsite can be greatly reduced, thereby creating a safer and more productive workplace for everyone.
For more information about LOTO or LOTO products that United Tool and Fastener offers, please reach out to a local UT&F showroom in Houston at 713-692-2323; in San Antonio at 210-495-8665; or College Station at 979-731-8665.
