What is the purpose of Lock Out / Tag Out procedures?

The purpose of Lock Out / Tag Out (LOTO) procedures is to control hazardous energy during servicing or maintenance of machinery and equipment. This practice ensures that machines are properly shut off and not able to be restarted until maintenance work is complete, thereby protecting workers from accidental start-up or release of stored energy. By implementing LOTO procedures, safety is prioritized, as it effectively prevents injuries that can occur due to unexpected machine activation while personnel are present.

This method is critical in environments where machines may contain electrical, mechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic, or thermal energy sources that could pose a risk to employees. Properly executed LOTO procedures create a safe working environment, thereby fulfilling their primary goal of maintaining worker safety during potentially hazardous maintenance activities.