Everything about Lockout, Tagout (LOTO)

The purpose of Lockout, Tagout is to safely shut down an installation so that it is made de-energized. 'Lock out' means that you lock a shut-down installation with a safety padlock. And 'tag out' means that you attach a label (a 'tag') so that everyone knows that this installation has been shut down. You may also come across 'LOTOTO', which means the same thing — the last 2 letters 'Try out' mean that you check whether the installation is indeed de-energized.

Purpose of LOTO(TO)

The purpose of Lock out, tag out is to prevent injury or damage during, for example, overhaul and maintenance, but also during cleaning work on installations. During this work you must shut off or disconnect the energy sources before you start. You must then lock them out and attach a label.

Types of energy

Within LOTO we recognise a number of types of energy, such as:

  • Electricity
  • Hydraulics
  • Pneumatics
  • Gas
  • Steam
  • Gravity
  • but hot liquids, for example, are also forms of energy.

Depending on the work you are going to carry out, you must determine which energy needs to be shut off.

Residual energy

Please note that after securing an installation, residual energy may still be present, such as a certain air pressure, oil pressure or a residual electrical voltage in capacitors, for example.

Authorisations

Not everyone is allowed to place an installation 'in LOTO'. This may only be carried out by instructed employees who have successfully completed a LOTO instruction.

Step-by-step plan

The first step you take when placing an installation 'in LOTO' is to inform the employees that the installation is being shut down. Then you determine which energy sources need to be shut off and you lock them out. For locking out, use the right LOTO materials and a sound safety lock. Then attach a label. Finally, you test whether the installation is indeed de-energized (Try Out).

Step 1: Inform the employees

The first step is to inform the employees that the installation is being shut down (for a certain period of time).

Step 2: Shut down the installation

Then you switch off the installation so that the energy supply is shut off.

Step 3: Lock out with a safety lock and/or lockout hasp

You lock out using a safety padlock and, if several people are working on the same installation, you use a lockout hasp. Then you attach the label with which you make it clear to everyone that work is being carried out on the installation.

Step 4: Check that the installation is de-energized

Check that the installation has been properly shut down and locked out by trying to start it up (Try Out). Also check for residual energy.

Step 5: After completing the work

Remove the locks and labels and switch the energy supply back on.

Electrical isolation in accordance with the Arbowet (Dutch OSH legislation) and NEN 3140

Electrical isolation may only be carried out by a Skilled Person (NEN 3140). The LOTO procedure is in fact broader than NEN 3140 because the latter only concerns electrical energy. For more details about this standard, read our article about NEN 3140 and LOTO.

NEN 3140: the 5 safety rules

In the NEN 3140 standard we recognise the 5 safety rules:

  1. Fully isolate: physical separation via main switch, screw-in fuses, knife-blade fuses or circuit breaker
  2. Lock out against re-energizing: with a safety padlock and label
  3. Establish the absence of voltage: via a double-pole measurement (single-phase: 3 measurements; three-phase: 7 measurements)
  4. Earthing and short-circuiting: mandatory in high voltage, sometimes also in low voltage
  5. Covering touchable live parts

Choosing LOTO tools

Not sure which LOTO materials you need for your situation? We are happy to help you make the right choice. Contact us for advice, or request a quote for custom LOTO stations and technician kits.

Drs. Richard Winter (Euronorm.net) & Bobby Winter (LockOutStore.nl)