Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) Programs and Procedures

Let’s take a look at a common work situation. A worker is performing some maintenance on a machine. Specifically, he is adjusting a belt that wraps around a wheel. First, let’s see what happens without lockout/tagout. The employee turns off the machine and gets started on the repair. As the employee adjusts the belt, a co-worker turns the machine on without seeing him. The wheel turns. His hand gets caught between the belt and the wheel and pulls it between the two. The fit is so tight that it amputates his finger! Now, let’s see what happens with lockout/tagout. Before the employee begins working on the machine, he attaches a lock to the control so that it physically cannot be turned on. He also attaches a tag that warns people he is performing maintenance on the equipment. When his co-worker sees that the machine is off, she notices the lock and tag. Knowing someone is working on the equipment, she walks away. The worker completes his maintenance and goes about the rest of his day. Do you see how the two minutes the worker took to attach a lock and tag potentially changed his life? This kind of scenario is exactly why lockout/tagout is so important. The aim of this course is to explain the types of locks and tags available to you and how and when to use them. This information could save you from serious injuries or even death.