Lockout / Tagout
Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) is a critical safety program established under OSHA's Control of Hazardous Energy Standard, 29 CFR 1910.147, and is designed to protect employees from the unexpected startup, energization, or release of stored energy from machines, equipment, and building systems during servicing and maintenance activities. Hazardous energy can take many forms, including electrical, mechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic, chemical, thermal, and gravitational energy. Proper application of lockout/tagout procedures helps prevent serious injuries such as electrocution, burns, amputations, crushing injuries, and other potentially fatal incidents.
A fundamental principle of Lockout/Tagout is accountability and personal control. Only the individual who applies a lock and tag to an energy-isolating device is authorized to remove that lock and tag. This requirement ensures that employees maintain control over their own safety and that equipment cannot be returned to service until all affected personnel are clear and the work has been completed safely. Under no circumstances should another employee remove an individual's lock or tag except under a formally documented and approved emergency removal procedure.
Environmental Health & Safety (EHS) will be coordinating Lockout/Tagout training opportunities for campus teams based on the level of training required for their job responsibilities. OSHA recognizes two primary levels of training: Authorized Employees, who perform lockout/tagout activities and apply locks and tags, and Affected Employees, who operate or work around equipment that may be locked or tagged out but do not perform energy isolation themselves. EHS will help to identify the appropriate training level for employees and ensure personnel receive the knowledge and skills necessary to safely work around hazardous energy and comply with OSHA requirements.