Lock Out Tag Out Procedure Checklist
Use lock out tag out procedure checklists to consistently comply with regulations and effectively promote safety in the workplace
Use lock out tag out procedure checklists to consistently comply with regulations and effectively promote safety in the workplace
Published 16 Feb 2022
A Lock Out Tag Out (LOTO) procedure is a list of steps taken in the workplace by different industries to help keep machines and equipment from unintentional energization while they are under maintenance or repair. While it is required by industry standards and regulations, non-compliance with LOTO procedure is one of the most cited OSHA standards violations.
A lock out tag out procedure checklist is used before servicing industrial equipment and heavy machinery to ensure that workers who maintain and repair do not encounter incidents caused by unintended energization and get exposed to harmful energy. Use this checklist to record the nature of work, hazardous energy sources, and the employees involved in the procedure. Do a site walkthrough to ensure that the area is cleared from unnecessary tools and check if employees are trained and notified about the procedure. Check the quality and efficiency of LOTO devices being used. Evaluate if the step-by-step procedure was followed when applying and removing LOTO devices. Lastly, rate the overall LOTO process and provide recommendations.
Following OSHA lock-out tag-out procedure standards by using a procedures template and safety checklist will help ensure that all dangerous machinery and equipment are properly shut off, locked out, and tagged before performing maintenance checks. OSHA estimates that complying with LOTO standards helps prevent 120 fatalities and 50,000 injuries each year.
This article briefly discusses:
A lock out tag out procedure checklist is a tool used by safety officers and managers to ensure that steps are taken to isolate energy sources when servicing industrial equipment or heavy machinery. This is done to protect workers against hazards such as accidental energization of equipment or exposure to hazardous energy.
Millions of machine operators and workers are exposed to risks each day due to non-isolated energy sources; lock-out tag-out procedure checklists aim to protect workers from those risks.
Lockout tagout procedures can vary depending on the industry or type of machine or equipment. Here are the main sections of a lock out tag out procedure checklist:
Machine/equipment information
Area inspection
Employees
LOTO devices
Applying LOTO devices
Removing LOTO devices
Depending on the nature of work and type of equipment, the LOTO devices that companies use will vary. These devices, however, can be classified into four main types.
Company-issued tags should be standardized and distinguishable from other tags, include instructions and warnings, able to withstand the environment they are in, and be attached with a self-locking non-reusable device that can withstand at least 50 pounds of pull force.
Lock out tag out procedure compliance can be a challenge in the workplace. iAuditor by SafetyCulture can help organizations better implement safety and compliance in the workplace by providing the tools that safety officers and employees can use to follow LOTO procedures.
With iAuditor, you are empowered to:
The purpose of a lockout/tagout checklist is to ensure that:
Use this OSHA lockout tagout checklist to assess if lock out tag out procedures are followed by employees before commencing with maintenance checks. With the use of iAuditor, you can capture photo evidence of non-compliance with safety regulations while the lock out procedure is ongoing. Notify safety managers if problems occur during the inspection for immediate action and resolution.
This OSHA lock out tag out procedure template can help you check the following:
Use this toolbox talk meeting record before performing the lockout/tagout procedure and servicing equipment. Gather the team and discuss what needs to be done before, during, and what to watch out for in order to solve issues before problems occur. Record what was tackled during the LOTO toolbox talk and have all participating members sign off.
A risk assessment is conducted to determine all risks involved in the operation of machines and equipment. Use this risk assessment to identify hazards and determine controls and risk mitigation that can help conduct an effective lock out tag out procedure.
Most workplace incidents and injuries go unreported, making it difficult to identify root causes and prevent future accidents from occurring. Keeping accident logs can help determine if safety measures are strictly followed in the workplace. Use this accident injury checklist to record accidents caused by unisolated energy source and non-adherence to LOTO procedures. Record information of the injured person, injury details, and the contributing factors to the accident. You may also document emergency services involved, hospitalization information, and witness statements. Use iAuditor to compile all accident records for proactive safety planning and accident prevention.