LOTO Procedure: Working Safely with Lockout and Tagging

What is Lockout Tagout (LOTO)?

Lockout Tagout (LOTO) is a safety procedure that is essential for protecting employees against hazardous energy sources during maintenance or repair of machines and installations. By correctly locking out and tagging energy sources, fatal accidents and serious injuries are prevented.

Why is LOTO essential for your safety?

Carrying out work on machines without correct LOTO procedures leads to serious accidents and occupational disability every year. According to the Netherlands Labour Inspectorate (Inspectie SZW), unexpected machine start-ups are a leading cause of industrial accidents in the Netherlands. With the right LOTO materials and procedures, these accidents can be completely prevented.

Step-by-step LOTO procedure

1. Preparation and communication

Before you start work, it is crucial to inform all employees involved. Communicate clearly which installation is being shut down, why this is happening, and how long the work is expected to take.

2. Identifying and shutting off energy sources

Take an inventory of all energy sources involved in the installation:

  • Electrical energy (main switches, fuses)
  • Mechanical energy (moving parts, springs, counterweights)
  • Hydraulic pressure (fluid pressure systems)
  • Pneumatic pressure (compressed air installations)
  • Thermal energy (hot or cold surfaces)
  • Chemical energy (hazardous substances)

Systematically shut off all identified energy sources according to the prescribed procedure for each specific energy source.

3. Locking out with LOTO materials

  • Place a lockout hasp on the energy source
  • Attach your personal safety padlock to the lockout hasp
  • With multiple technicians: each employee places their own padlock on the same lockout hasp
  • Always keep your key with you — never hand it over!

Important: Every employee carrying out work on the installation must apply their own lockout. The installation may only be put back into operation once all padlocks have been removed.

4. Verification of zero-energy state (Try Out)

  • Test the installation to verify that all energy sources have actually been shut off
  • Try to start the machine using the normal controls
  • Check measuring equipment to confirm that no residual energy is present
  • Discharge any stored energy (capacitors, hydraulic accumulators)

5. Marking with LOTO tags

  • Attach a "DO NOT OPERATE" tag to each locked-out energy source
  • Make sure the tag clearly states:
    • Name of the employee
    • Date and time of lockout
    • Emergency contact details
    • Reason for the lockout

High-quality LOTO products for maximum safety

In our webshop you will find all the materials needed for an effective LOTO procedure:

  • Safety padlocks — available in various colours for personal identification
  • Lockout hasps — for situations in which multiple employees work on the same installation
  • LOTO tags — durable tags containing essential information
  • Lockout systems — specific solutions for electrical installations
  • LOTO stations — central storage for all your LOTO materials
  • Complete LOTO kits — all-in-one solutions for specific applications
  • Lockboxes — for group lockout during major maintenance shutdowns

Benefits of our LOTO products

  • Certified quality — all our products meet the strictest Dutch and European safety standards
  • Durable materials — resistant to industrial conditions, chemicals and extreme temperatures
  • User-friendly — easy to apply, even while wearing gloves
  • Cost-effective — protect your staff and comply with legislation at minimal cost

Legal requirements and compliance

Implementing LOTO procedures is not only a matter of safety, but also a legal obligation under the Arbowet (Dutch OSH legislation) and the Arbobesluit article 3.5. Employers are required to:

  1. Implement adequate LOTO procedures
  2. Provide employees with suitable LOTO materials
  3. Provide regular training on the correct application of LOTO
  4. Document LOTO procedures and keep them up to date

Our products help you to be fully compliant with all relevant legislation and guidelines. For LOTO training and advice, we work together with Euronorm.net.

Frequently asked questions

You will find answers to the most frequently asked questions about LOTO, LOTOTO, NEN 3140 and the right products on our frequently asked questions page.

Contact our LOTO experts

Do you have questions about the right LOTO procedure for your specific situation? Contact us or request a quote directly for project orders.