Lockout and Tagout is a crucial safety procedure used in industrial settings to protect workers from the unexpected startup of machinery or equipment during maintenance, servicing, or repairs. It involves the use of locks and tags to isolate and immobilize energy sources, such as electrical, mechanical, or pneumatic, ensuring that equipment cannot be energized or operated while work is being performed.
Lockout padlocks prevent the lockout device from being removed accidentally. Some LOTO devices fit specific equipment such as valves, steering wheels, pipe flanges, and gas cylinders. Tagout tags install in the padlock to indicate the equipment is locked out and identify the lock owner. Stations and kits include a dedicated storage container to keep equipment together.