Lockout tagout, or LOTO as it is more generally known, is a temporary way of isolating an energy supply using mechanical barriers or tags, shielding personnel from exposure to a hazardous energy source or the energizing of machinery they are working on.
Lockout Although it refers to two distinct procedures, the term “tagout” is well known around the world. The reason lockout is a superior option is that it isolates a process using a physical mechanical protection, a lock, which can only be opened with a key that is typically in the possession of the worker.
LOTO can be used for quick or lengthy tasks, especially if there is a large link process train, as there often is in refineries. The majority of consumer electrical breakers have a method for lockout, and your community electrician will possess a collection of small gadgets to use to protect him while he is working on your electrical circuits. It can also be used for domestic purposes. In this scenario, only he will be able to remove the gadget because he’ll have the key in his pocket. This LOTO guide will take you through the basic steps involved in lockout/tagout.
6 Steps In Lockout/Tagout
It is typical to also apply a tag while implementing a lockout. The tag will provide workers with information such as who applied the lock out, why it was applied, and how long it will remain in effect. Any affected employees can then very quickly ask the right people their queries and receive the responses they require. It may be necessary to change the tags on occasion, especially when they are exposed to UV rays. The tags and the ink used to read on them both need to be durable.
So let’s go over some of the techniques needed to apply LOTO effectively and safely operate a Lockout/Tagout product.
Preparation
No matter how big or little the task, careful planning is required, as we previously covered earlier. It is necessary to carry out extensive risk assessments to determine the kind and source of hazardous energy as well as to communicate the requirement for LOTO.
Lockout/tagout
Shutdown is the process of physically turning off a piece of equipment or a process.
Isolation
To achieve this, a fuse must be removed, a breaker must be turned off, or a valve must be closed.
Lockout/tagout
Now that lockout/tagout is in effect, we really use the locks and tags. They must be used in order to open the valve or activate the breaker, as well as to insert a tag in the proper location.
Check for stored energy
We cannot immediately start working after step 4. There can be some accumulated or leftover energy that has to be released. By turning on a machine, for example, we can check to see if it activates. If it does, or if there is any other sign that power is still present, like a light turning on, we can then double-check the isolation. At a proper point, pressure from fluids or gases can be released.
Verification
When all applicable LOTO points have been handled and any stored or residual energy has been eliminated, it is necessary to bring in a qualified individual to confirm that the equipment is safe to work on.
We can use our strategy to reinstate the equipment or process after our work is complete. Once more, a designated individual will guarantee that all work has been finished as planned, that all work permits have been returned, and that the jobsite has been cleaned of all equipment and supplies.
