The concept of Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) is an important part of any facility’s safety management program. LOTO is a procedure used to prevent injury and death due to accidental startup of machinery and equipment. It is important that all facilities managers understand the basics of LOTO procedure to ensure a safe work environment.
What is LOTO Procedure?
LOTO procedure is a safety measure designed to prevent accidents caused by the unexpected startup of machinery or equipment. To do this, the user must follow a set of steps to ensure that all energy sources are disconnected from the machinery or equipment before working on it. This includes disconnecting electric power, shutting off gas valves, and removing air pressure. The user must also attach a physical lock or tag to the power sources to prevent them from being turned back on by another person. This process is known as Lockout/Tagout.
Why is LOTO Procedure Necessary?
LOTO procedure is a critical part of any facility’s safety management program. Without it, workers can be exposed to dangerous levels of electricity, gas, or air pressure while they are working on machinery or equipment. Additionally, if the power sources are not locked or tagged out, another worker can inadvertently turn on the machinery or equipment, causing serious injury or death.
What are the Components of LOTO Procedure?
The components of LOTO procedure are as follows:
- Identification of hazardous energy sources
- Disconnecting and de-energizing each energy source
- Applying a physical lock or tag to each energy source
- Testing to ensure the equipment is off
- Verifying the equipment is off and locked out
How to Implement LOTO Procedure in Facilities Management
In order to ensure the safety of workers, facilities managers must implement LOTO procedure in their facilities. This should include the following steps:
- Train all employees on the proper use of LOTO procedure
- Inspect machinery and equipment periodically to identify hazardous energy sources
- Create a clear, concise LOTO procedure manual for employees to follow
- Enforce the use of physical locks and tags when working on machinery and equipment
- Conduct periodic safety audits to ensure proper LOTO procedure is being followed
Conclusion
LOTO procedure is an essential part of any facility’s safety management program. By understanding and implementing effective LOTO procedure, facilities managers can help to ensure the safety of their employees and reduce the risk of serious injury or death.
