What is the purpose of the Lock Out Tag Out program?

The Lock Out Tag Out (LOTO) program is specifically designed to ensure that all potential energy sources are effectively secured before any maintenance work is conducted on machinery or equipment. This process is crucial because it protects workers from the accidental release of hazardous energy, which can occur when equipment is powered on or inadvertently activated during maintenance.

By implementing lockout procedures, workers physically secure energy isolation devices (like switches or valves) with locks and attach tags to warn others not to operate the equipment. This practice ensures that technicians can maintain or repair machinery without the risk of injury from unexpected energization or movement.

The focus of LOTO is not primarily on tracking tool usage, preventing unauthorized use, or ensuring safety in electrical connections alone; although these are important aspects of overall workplace safety, they do not capture the core intent of the LOTO program, which is to manage and control hazardous energy during maintenance operations.