What does the mechanical lock-out/tag-out (LOTO) procedure ensure?

The mechanical lock-out/tag-out (LOTO) procedure is a crucial safety practice used to ensure that machines are properly shut off and cannot be started up again until maintenance or servicing is finished. This procedure involves physically locking the energy sources to the equipment and placing a tag on it to warn others not to operate the machine while maintenance is being performed. By following this protocol, workers can effectively prevent accidental machine start-up, which could lead to severe injuries or fatalities.

This procedure is essential in industrial and manufacturing settings where machinery is involved, as it ensures the safety of the personnel performing maintenance or repairs. Proper implementation of lock-out/tag-out procedures is mandated by safety regulations and is a key component of workplace safety programs.