Wat is het verschil tussen lockout en tagout?

Lockout betekent het fysiek blokkeren van een energiebron met een hangslot zodat de installatie niet kan worden ingeschakeld. Tagout is het aanbrengen van een waarschuwingslabel ('DO NOT OPERATE') om collega's te waarschuwen. In de meeste gevallen worden beide gecombineerd toegepast.

Is Lockout Tagout verplicht in Nederland?

Ja. Lockout Tagout is verplicht op basis van de Arbowet en het Arbobesluit (artikel 7.4). Voor elektrische installaties geldt aanvullend de NEN 3140-norm. Bedrijven die hier niet aan voldoen riskeren boetes van de Nederlandse Arbeidsinspectie.

Welk hangslot heb ik nodig voor LOTO?

Voor elektrische installaties gebruik je bij voorkeur een nylon (niet-geleidend) veiligheidshangslot. Voor zware industrie of buitengebruik is een metalen hangslot met geharde stalen beugel de betere keuze. Beide varianten zijn verkrijgbaar bij LockOutStore.nl.

Wat is een hangslotvermeerderaar (hasp)?

Een hangslotvermeerderaar (LOTO hasp) maakt het mogelijk dat meerdere monteurs tegelijk één afsluitpunt vergrendelen. Elke monteur plaatst zijn eigen hangslot in de hasp. Zolang er nog één slot in zit, blijft de installatie geblokkeerd.

Wat staat er op een LOTO waarschuwingstag?

Een standaard LOTO waarschuwingstag vermeldt 'DO NOT OPERATE' (of 'Niet bedienen'), de naam van de monteur, de datum en eventueel de reden voor de vergrendeling. Tags zijn verplicht onderdeel van de LOTOTO-procedure conform NEN 3140.

What is Lockout Tagout (LOTO) and when is it mandatory in the Netherlands?

September 7, 2026

What is Lockout Tagout?

Lockout Tagout (LOTO) is a safety procedure that ensures dangerous machines and installations are completely shut down and secured before any maintenance, repair, or inspection is performed. The goal: to prevent the machine from being accidentally powered on while an employee is working on it.

The procedure consists of two components:

Lockout — physically locking the energy source with a padlock so that no one can power on the installation.
Tagout — applying a warning tag with the message 'DO NOT OPERATE' so that colleagues know that the installation is being worked on.

When is LOTO mandatory in the Netherlands?

In the Netherlands, Lockout Tagout is legally required under the Working Conditions Act (Arbowet) and the Working Conditions Decree (Arbobesluit). Article 7.4 of the Arbobesluit states that work equipment with dangerous energy sources — electrical, hydraulic, pneumatic, thermal, or chemical — may only be maintained if the energy is completely switched off and secured.

Specifically, LOTO is mandatory for:

Maintenance, repair, or cleaning of machines and installations
Any situation where an employee places body parts into a hazardous zone
Work on electrical installations (in accordance with NEN 3140)
Maintenance of hydraulic and pneumatic systems

What does NEN 3140 say?

NEN 3140 is the Dutch standard for safe work on and with electrical installations. This standard prescribes that electrical work may only be performed by or under the supervision of a Skilled Person (Vakbekwaam Persoon - VP). An essential part of NEN 3140 is the LOTO procedure: locking and tagging switch cabinets and energy sources before working on the installation.

If your company does not comply with NEN 3140, you risk:

Fines from the Netherlands Labour Authority
Liability in the event of accidents
Work stoppage

How does a LOTO procedure work step-by-step?

Preparation — Identify all energy sources of the machine (electrical, pneumatic, hydraulic).
Shut down — Turn off the machine using the normal operating procedure.
Lockout — Apply a padlock to the switching point. Each technician uses their own personal lock.
Tagout — Hang a 'DO NOT OPERATE' tag on the padlock with your name and the date.
Verification — Verify that the machine is de-energized (e.g., using a voltage tester).
Work — Perform the work safely.
Release — Each technician removes their own lock. Only once all locks have been removed can the installation be restarted.

For a correct LOTO procedure, you need at least:

A personal safety padlock — preferably nylon (non-conductive) for electrical installations
Warning tags ('DO NOT OPERATE')
A padlock hasp when working with multiple technicians
Specific locking devices for circuit breakers (MCB lockouts), valves, or cables

At LockOutStore.nl, you will find all necessary LOTO materials in accordance with NEN 3140 and the Working Conditions Act — from individual padlocks and tags to complete kits and wall stations for your technical department.

View our complete LOTO assortment →

Frequently Asked Questions about Lockout Tagout

What is the difference between lockout and tagout?

Lockout means physically blocking an energy source with a padlock so that the installation cannot be switched on. Tagout is the application of a warning tag ('DO NOT OPERATE') to alert colleagues. In most cases, both are applied in combination.

Is Lockout Tagout mandatory in the Netherlands?

Yes. Lockout Tagout is mandatory based on the Working Conditions Act and the Working Conditions Decree (Article 7.4). For electrical installations, the NEN 3140 standard also applies. Companies that do not comply with this risk fines from the Netherlands Labour Authority.

Which padlock do I need for LOTO?

For electrical installations, you should preferably use a nylon (non-conductive) safety padlock. For heavy industry or outdoor use, a metal padlock with a hardened steel shackle is the better choice. Both variants are available at LockOutStore.nl.

What is a padlock hasp?

A padlock hasp (LOTO hasp) allows multiple technicians to lock a single lockout point simultaneously. Each technician places their own padlock in the hasp. As long as at least one lock remains in place, the installation remains blocked.

What is on a LOTO warning tag?

A standard LOTO warning tag states 'DO NOT OPERATE', the name of the technician, the date, and potentially the reason for the lockout. Tags are a mandatory part of the LOTO procedure in accordance with NEN 3140.

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