Electrical Equipment Lockout/Tagout – LOTO Procedure

Prepare to Shut Down

• All workers in the area are notified of the pending power shutdown and the lockout/tagout procedure.

Machine Shutdown

• The machine or equipment connected to the serviced line or circuit is turned off to prevent a hazard to workers as a result of equipment de-energization.

• Electrical disconnect switches should never be pulled while under load (while the motor or other equipment they serve are still running), because of the possibility of arcing or even explosions.

Equipment Isolation

• All switches, disconnects, or isolating devices needed to control the machine must be located and activated so that the equipment is isolated from the energy source (the power supply is shut off).

Lockout/Tagout

• Each worker who will work on the equipment applies a lock and tag to the lockout device.

• Every lock and tag should show the name of the person who locked the equipment.

• Locks and tags should be standardized by color, shape, or size.

Stored Energy

• All stored energy (such as electricity stored in capacitors or batteries) must be discharged, disconnected, and/or restrained and rendered safe. Workers must verify that there is no possibility of re-accumulation of stored energy.

Verification of Isolation

• De-energized equipment is checked to confirm that there is no power present.

• Workers may operate switches or other normal controls to verify that all energy sources have been disconnected and the equipment will not operate.

Release From Lockout/Tagout

• Workers must inspect the working area to ensure that all items have been removed from the equipment and that all covers and protection devices are back in place.

• All workers in the area must be alerted that the power will be turned on.

• They should maintain a safe distance from the serviced equipment in case any problem arises when the power comes back on.

• To complete the lockout-tagout procedure, all locks and lockout devices (as applicable) are removed from the disconnect switch or isolation device, indicating that the last worker gives the authorization to re-energize the line.