What is Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) and when should it be used?

• A. A safety procedure to ensure energy sources are isolated before servicing; used whenever personnel could be exposed to unexpected energization or movement
• B. A method to label tools
• C. A driving license requirement
• D. A process for scheduling maintenance

Answer: (A)

Lockout/Tagout is a safety procedure that secures energy sources so they can’t release, energize, or move while someone is servicing equipment. Before work starts, you identify all sources of energy—electrical, mechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic, chemical, thermal, gravity, and stored energy. Then you isolate those sources, apply a lock to the energy-controlling device, and attach a tag that says who is locking out and why. The lock physically prevents re-energizing, while the tag communicates essential information and ensures the person who applied the lock is the one who removes it. Only the authorized person who applied the lock (or as allowed by procedure) should remove it after the work is done and after the system is verified safe.

This is used whenever there's a risk of unexpected energization or movement that could injure someone, such as while servicing electrical panels, hydraulic or pneumatic systems, or components like door actuators during bus maintenance. It’s not about labeling tools, licensing, or scheduling maintenance, but about controlling energy to keep workers safe during procedures.