Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) Procedure
Document Type: Procedure
Version: 1.0
Last Updated: February 2026
Distribute To: Maintenance, Electrical, Applicable Trades
Purpose
Establish procedures for controlling hazardous energy during service and maintenance to prevent unexpected startup.
Scope
This procedure applies to:
- Electrical systems
- Mechanical equipment
- Hydraulic/pneumatic systems
- Thermal energy
- Any stored energy
Energy Types
| Energy Type | Examples | Control Method |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical | Power circuits, capacitors | Disconnect, ground |
| Mechanical | Moving parts, gears | Block, brake |
| Hydraulic | Pressurized fluid | Bleed, block |
| Pneumatic | Compressed air | Bleed, disconnect |
| Thermal | Hot surfaces, steam | Cool, insulate |
| Potential | Springs, raised loads | Release, block |
| Chemical | Reactive materials | Isolate, neutralize |
LOTO Devices
Locks:
- Individually keyed
- Durable (weather, corrosion resistant)
- Standardized (company color/design)
- One person = one lock
Tags:
- "DANGER - DO NOT OPERATE"
- Name of person applying
- Date applied
- Reason for lockout
- Durable construction
LOTO Procedure Steps
Step 1: Preparation
- Identify equipment to be locked out
- Identify all energy sources
- Identify isolation points
- Notify affected employees
Step 2: Shutdown
- Shut down equipment using normal procedure
- Operate controls to verify shutdown
Step 3: Isolation
- Locate energy isolating devices
- Isolate all energy sources
- Dissipate stored energy
Step 4: Lockout
- Apply lock to each energy isolating device
- Each authorized employee applies own lock
- Attach tag with required information
Step 5: Verification
- Verify zero energy state
- Attempt to restart equipment (should not operate)
- Verify all stored energy released
- Test circuits if electrical
Step 6: Perform Work
- Work only on de-energized equipment
- Maintain lockout throughout
Step 7: Release
- Remove tools and materials
- Verify all guards in place
- Remove locks (each person removes own)
- Notify affected employees
- Restart equipment
LOTO Tag
═══════════════════════════════════════
DANGER
DO NOT OPERATE
═══════════════════════════════════════
Equipment: _____________________________
Applied By: ____________________________
Date: _________________________________
Time: _________________________________
Reason: _______________________________
______________________________________
DO NOT REMOVE THIS TAG
Contact before starting equipment
═══════════════════════════════════════
Multi-Person Lockout
Group Lockout:
- Primary authorized employee coordinates
- Each worker applies own lock to group lockbox
- Primary applies lockbox lock to energy source
- Each worker removes own lock when done
- Primary removes lockbox when all clear
Shift Change
When Work Spans Shifts:
- Outgoing worker maintains lockout until handoff
- Oncoming worker applies lock
- Outgoing worker removes lock
- Continuous protection maintained
Lock Removal by Others
Only When:
- Person who applied lock is unavailable
- All efforts to contact have failed
- Authorized supervisor approves
- Verification equipment is safe
- Notification to employee when returns
Document all details of removal
Training Requirements
Authorized Employees:
- LOTO procedures
- Energy identification
- Equipment operation
- Verification procedures
Affected Employees:
- Purpose of LOTO
- Not to start locked equipment
- Recognize locks and tags
Related Documents
- Electrical Safety Program
- Confined Space Procedure
- Equipment Maintenance
- Emergency Procedures
OSHA References
- 29 CFR 1910.147 (General Industry)
- 29 CFR 1926.417 (Construction)
Template provided by support.construction. Customize with your company information.