02.1 – Protection of Workers

There is often confusion with lockout of equipment. Specifically when it comes to Lockout programs and the equipment used in those programs.

Example of poor isolation of a valve – DON’T DO THIS

Lockout and Tag out (LOTO) primary purpose (and only purpose) is for the protection of WORKERS.

LOTO locks have nothing to do with protecting equipment from damage or failure. Facilities and workers can use ‘maintenance’ locks for that purpose. Turning off and locking out equipment that is failing to protect it from further damage is most likely a maintenance lock.

However, once a worker or repair person comes along to repair the equipment and will be working on it, LOTO lock(s) must now be used indicating a worker is on the system and has isolated the energy source(s).