Lockout / Tagout is a vital safety procedure that is implemented to help keep people safe from various threats such as chemical, hydraulic, thermal, electrical, mechanical, or pneumatic types of energy when a machine or piece of equipment is being repaired or maintained. Basically, the equipment must be deemed inoperable and be properly shut-down in order to safely conduct the needed repair or maintenance. There are essential steps that must be followed in the lockout / tagout process to ensure that safety is first and foremost.
These are the 6 steps of loto:
- Preparation
- Shutdown
- Isolation
- Lockout / tagout
- Stored energy check
- Isolation Verification