WHY DOES LOCKOUT/TAGOUT EXIST?

LOTO exists to protect employees who may be exposed to serious physical harm or death if hazardous energy is not controlled while servicing or performing maintenance activities. OSHA estimates that compliance with the LOTO standard can prevent 120 fatalities and 50,000 injuries every year. If you have equipment in your workplace, you need to develop a LOTO safety program to keep your employees safe and to remain in compliance.

WHAT MUST EMPLOYERS DO TO COMPLY WITH OSHA’S HAZARDOUS ENERGY CONTROL STANDARD?

The ultimate goal of LOTO is to keep your employees safe. As you might imagine, all OSHA standards are designed to minimize the risk to your employees in your workplace. In order to be successful you must have a Hazardous Energy Control Program, which includes LOTO training.

PROTECTING EMPLOYEES WITH A LOCKOUT/TAGOUT PROGRAM
Here are just a few of the requirements that should be included in your LOTO program:

Develop, document, implement, and enforce energy control procedures.
Use lockout devices for equipment that can be locked out. Tagout devices may be used in lieu of lockout devices only if the tagout program provides employee protection equivalent to that provided through a lockout program.
Use only LOTO devices authorized for the particular equipment or machinery and ensure that they are durable, standardized, and substantial.
Inspect and adjust LOTO procedures at least annually.
Provide effective training as mandated for all employees covered by the standard.
For a full list of requirements to develop your LOTO program, view the OSHA Lockout/Tagout Factsheet.