Category: Equipment Time: 5–10 min Audience: All Workers

What LOTO prevents

Lockout/Tagout exists to prevent one scenario: a worker is servicing or cleaning equipment, and the machine starts up or releases stored energy. This kills and dismembers workers every year. Every time.

If you're an affected employee

You operate equipment that others service. Your job when equipment is locked out: do not attempt to restart it, do not remove someone else's lock, do not touch the equipment. One lock, one key, one person — the authorized employee who did the lockout.

Never remove a lock that isn't yours

Removing someone else's lock is one of the most dangerous things you can do in an industrial workplace. If equipment needs to be restarted and there's a lock you don't recognize, stop and get a supervisor. Never proceed on your own.

If you're an authorized employee

Follow your machine-specific procedure exactly. Verify de-energization by trying the controls after locking out — never assume the lock is enough. Address all stored energy — hydraulic pressure, springs, gravity on suspended parts, capacitors.

Discussion question

What equipment in this area requires lockout/tagout procedures, and who are the authorized employees for each piece?

Documentation Reminder

Record this meeting: date, topic ("Lockout/Tagout — Why It Matters"), names of attendees, and facilitator. A sign-in sheet filed with your safety records is your proof of training. OSHA considers documented safety meetings as evidence of good faith.

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