FAQ - Everything you need to know about Lockout Tagout
Welcome to our FAQ section, where you will find answers to the most common questions about Lockout Tagout (LOTO) systems. These systems are key to ensuring worker safety when maintaining and servicing machinery and equipment.
What is a Lockout Tagout(LOTO) system and why is it important?
LOTO is a safety procedure that prevents the unexpected start-up or release of hazardous energy during maintenance, repair or cleaning of machinery and equipment. This protects workers from potential injury caused primarily by:
- Electric shock.
- PressureMoving parts.
- Extreme temperatures.
- but also other energies (gravity, inertia, etc.)
How does LOTO work?
LOTO consists of isolating the device from the energy source by means of a LOTO lock or LOTO fixture (Lockout) and then marking (Tagout) the location with a warning tag. This ensures that the equipment cannot be inadvertently started until the work is completed and the lockout removed.
What are the key elements of the LOTO system?
Lockout devices:
- Locks, elements to secure valves, circuit breakers, hoses and cylinders, and other sources of hazardous energy that physically prevent the activation of that hazardous energy source. A wide selection of these quality Lockout Tagout elements can be found in our online store at www.lockey.cz
- Tagout devices: warning tags, stickers and labels that indicate that the equipment is locked out and must not be started.
- Written procedures: Company LOTO guidelines and detailed LOTO instructions for each device on how to perform a LOTO.
- Training: Employees must be properly and repeatedly trained in the use of the LOTO system.
Who is responsible for conducting LOTO?
Any employee who performs maintenance, repair or cleaning of machinery and equipment is responsible for the proper execution of the LOTO procedure. This includes identifying and isolating hazardous energy, locking out and marking the sources of that energy on the machine, and removing the lockout when the work is completed.
When is it necessary to use LOTO?
LOTO is used whenever an employee must enter a hazardous area of a machine or equipment where he or she could be at risk from an unexpected start-up or release of energy. Typical situations include:
- Maintenance and repair;
- Cleaning and adjusting;
- Clearing jams;
- Inspection and testing.
What types of Lockout Tagout elements are there?
There are a wide variety of LOTO elements that vary by power source and equipment type. The most common include:
Padlocks: padlocks with steel, nylon, stainless steel or cable shackles that are used to lock out circuit breakers, valves and other devices.- LOTO valve Lockout features: Devices used to lock various types of valves and gate valves.
- LOTO elements for circuit breakers: used to secure various types and kinds of circuit breakers, motor starters, DEVONs, etc..
- LOTO elements for buttons: Devices used to cover emergency stop buttons, switches and control buttons and prevent them from being pressed or released.
- Warning tags: Tags that are placed on locked equipment to indicate that the equipment is out of service and include information on who performed the lockout and their contact details.
- Hasps: allow the application of multiple padlocks to a single locking point
.You can find all these quality elements in our e-shop: www.lockey.cz
Do you need help with the implementation of the LOTO system?
In addition to selling quality LOTO elements, we offer comprehensive services to help you ensure workplace security:
Lockout Tagout Audit: Have a professional audit of your LOTO system performed to identify potential deficiencies.Developing a company
LOTO guideline: we will create a document for you that sets out clear rules and procedures for LOTO in your company.Developing LOTO instructions for individual machines: We will ensure that every machine in your operation has specific and understandable LOTO instructions.Contact us and we will be happy to help you set up a functional and safe LOTO system.
Where can I find more information about LOTO?
Safety data sheets for the production equipment in questionIn-house safety regulationsTraining and seminarsWe hope this information has helped you to better understand the LOTO system. If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact us or visit our e-shop www.lockey.cz for a complete range of LOTO products.