Perhaps you've often encountered machines that are locked and carry danger tags in your workplace. These devices are one example of Lockout Tagout (LOTO). Every year, thousands of accidents occur during the repair or maintenance of industrial equipment, and many of these are caused by energy that is not properly isolated.
To minimize these risks, Master Lock introduces Master Lock® Safety Solutions™ – a complete range of padlocks, accessories, and services designed to help you develop and implement the best Lockout Tagout (LOTO) program for your facility.
Definition of Lockout/Tagout (LOTO)
Lockout Tagout is a procedure used to control hazardous energy during the servicing and maintenance of machinery or equipment. This process involves installing padlocks, locking devices, and tags on energy-isolating devices, ensuring that the equipment cannot be operated until these safety devices are removed.
Purpose and Benefits of Lockout Tagout (LOTO)
When machines or equipment are prepared for maintenance, there is often "hazardous energy" that can threaten the safety of those nearby. This energy may include:
- Chemical energy
- Electrical energy
- Hydraulic energy
- Mechanical energy
- Pneumatic energy
- Thermal energy
- Other energy sources
Without proper LOTO procedures, equipment being serviced can suddenly start up or release hazardous energy, potentially causing serious injuries or even fatalities for workers and others in the surrounding area.
Six Stages of LOTO Safety Procedures
An effective lockout/tagout procedure involves the following six steps:
- Preparation Stage
Authorized employees must investigate and understand all types of hazardous energy that might be present, as well as identify the risks and methods for controlling them.
- Shutdown Stage
Once planning is complete, the machine or equipment to be serviced is turned off. At this stage, it is important to inform all affected employees, such as operators and workers in the area.
- Isolation Stage
The equipment must be isolated from its energy source, for example, by turning off the main switch, disconnecting the power, or closing a valve, depending on the type of energy.
- Lockout Tagout Stage
After isolation, the next step is to lock and attach a safety tag to the energy-isolating device. With the padlock and tag in place, the equipment cannot be operated except by the person who performed the lockout.
- Residual Energy Check
Even though the energy source has been disconnected and the equipment is locked out, there might still be residual energy. At this stage, ensure that all remaining energy has been neutralized so that it is safe for maintenance.
- Isolation Verification
The final step is to double-check that all procedures have been correctly followed and that the equipment is indeed safe to work on.
Here are some LOTO products from Master Lock:
PADLOCK LOTO BODY DAN SHACKLE THERMOPLASTIC 35MM MERAH
This padlock features:
- A 6-pin cylinder with a spare key profile and over 40,000 unique security key codes
- A key retaining feature that ensures the padlock is not accidentally left unlocked
- A thermoplastic Zenex™ body that resists corrosion, UV exposure, extreme temperatures (-40°C to +90°C), and chemicals
- A 6mm non-conductive, dielectric, and non-sparking Zenex™ composite shackle
- Includes 1 key, in accordance with the guideline "one employee, one padlock, one key"
- Includes write-on labels reading "DANGER" / "PROPERTY OF" in French, English, and Spanish
TAG LOTO LAMINATED "DO NOT OPERATE SAFETY" WHITE
This tag features:
- A polyester laminated label that is resistant to grease and dirt
- A customizable label with the message "DO NOT OPERATE" that can include the employee's name, department, and planned task
- An 11 mm diameter brass grommet that fits all types of lockout padlocks and is resistant to pulling force
- Available in English, French, Dutch, German, Spanish, and Italian
If your facility needs a work system using Lockout Tagout, Listrik Kita offers a variety of Lockout Tagout products that can protect your team from potential hidden energy hazards and electrical risks. In addition to the products listed above, you can find other Lockout Tagout solutions at listrikkita.com!
