EXPERIENCE AND KNOWLEDGE

Development and Implementation of Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) Procedures

Are you interested in training for the development and implementation of Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) procedures?

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The effective implementation of appropriate safety procedures during machine operation should proceed in multiple stages. 

EHS Consulting assists in establishing and implementing procedures to minimize the risk of any contact between the body and hazardous energy. The goal is to prevent injuries to individuals. 

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The Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) system enables safe control of machines and installations during service and maintenance work, protecting operators from human errors and preventing the accidental activation of serviced equipment, machines, and installations. The acronym LOTO stands for Lockout and Tagout, which are the two fundamental principles of this procedure: 

  • Lockout – the action of disconnecting and securing the power supply of machines/installations/equipment during, for example, maintenance work; 
  • Tagout – the labeling of the location where the lockout is applied with information about the reason for the shutdown, the responsible person, etc. 

The LOTO system is not mandatory, which is why some employers may believe that LOTO safeguards are unnecessary in a company where, for example, a centralized machine control system is in place, and competent individuals are designated to operate it. 

Unfortunately, this does not ensure complete safety because the person in the control room does not have a full view of the situation and cannot be entirely certain that re-energizing the system will not pose a threat to the life or health of the worker currently performing maintenance work on the machine. Therefore, the authority to lock/unlock energy should be given to the person actively engaged in tasks at the machine. 

Our work on the proper implementation of LOTO standards proceeds as follows: 

  1. Assessment of the risk associated with contact with hazardous sources of energy. 
  2. Identification of hazardous energy. 
  3. Identification of tasks. 
  4. Proposal of risk control measures for contact with hazardous energy, taking LOTO into account. 
  5. Implementation of the LOTO system and training of employees. 
  6. Review of applied safeguards and proposal of changes. 
1.

Contact 

The first step is to contact us by phone or email 

2.

Conversation 

The second step is to understand the client’s needs and propose conditions 

3.

Cooperation 

The third step is to establish cooperation and start activities 

Contact

Ask for details

Call

+48 887 043 666

Write

biuro@ehsconsulting.pl

REFERENCES 

See what our clients say about us 

High professionalism, the possibility of using services online, and wide availability. I wholeheartedly recommend Ms. Agnieszka Kuźmicka. 

Piotr Błaszczyk

Tax Consultant at SWGK 

Agnieszka conducted OHS training for employees of my company. I recommend her as a very good and professional trainer. The whole process went smoothly and in a pleasant atmosphere. 

Marcin Olejnik

CEO at Chatbots 

I recommend 100%! A large dose of valuable knowledge. 10/10! 

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Aleksandra Taraszkiewicz – divorces, family and guardianship matters 

DETAILED DISCUSSION OF THE STAGES OF IMPLEMENTING LOTO PROCEDURE 

Risk Assessment 

Risk assessment must take into account incidents, all changes relevant to safety in design, changes in the facility, changes in work practices, changes introduced as part of research and development or trial orders, which may include changes in raw materials or products. In this case, a so-called zero audit at the client’s premises is necessary. 

Identification of Hazardous Energy 

Identification of hazardous energy – for each piece of equipment, all hazardous energies that may occur during routine work, as well as in non-routine situations, must be identified. Energy is considered “hazardous” if bodily contact can cause injuries requiring any form of treatment (first aid or other professional medical assistance) or significant pain lasting longer than a few seconds for an individual. 

Hazardous energy (active and/or stored) typically includes: 

  • Mechanical hazards; 
  • Electrical hazards; 
  • Control systems and safety circuits; 
  • Thermal and radiation hazards; 
  • Chemical hazards; 
  • Pneumatic and hydraulic hazards; 
  • Combination of hazards or others. 

Identification of Tasks

Identification of tasks – all tasks performed on or near this equipment must be identified. This includes:

  • Routine tasks/actions;
  • Non-routine tasks/actions, including activities performed during emergencies, breaks, etc.;
  • Any foreseeable “unwanted” bodily contact with hazardous energy.

Proposal of Control Measures

Proposal of control measures – every area with identified potential bodily contact with hazardous energy or moving parts must be secured to prevent such contact (regardless of exposure, e.g., frequency of interventions, number of people, etc.). Considerations should include:

  • Fixed guards;
  • Movable guards with locks;
  • Protection using video cameras or light curtains;
  • Movable guards with locks;
  • Protection using video cameras or light curtains;
  • Functional safety;
  • Lockout and tagging, including LOTO.

Remember that there are no universal procedures for the implementation of LOTO systems. Each machine requires an individual approach by individuals with knowledge and experience. EHS Consulting provides professional occupational health and safety services in Warsaw and online – call to learn more.

WHAT ARE EXAMPLES OF LOTO SAFEGUARDS? 

  • Safety padlocks. 
  • Valve locks. 
  • Electrical switch locks. 
  • Electrical plug locks. 
  • Operator control panel button locks (so-called emergency stop mushrooms). 
  • Locks for electrical disconnect switches type BM. 
  • Wall switch locks. 
  • Locks for pneumatic installations. 
  • Locks for gas cylinders. 
  • Universal lockout. 
  • Link locks. 
  • Group LOTO locks. 
  • Shackles and multilockout hasps. 

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