What Is LOTO? Lockout/Tagout Explained
LOTO (lockout/tagout) isolates machines from hazardous energy during maintenance. Learn the steps, an example and how digital LOTO creates proof.
Definition
LOTO, or lockout/tagout, is a safety procedure that isolates a machine from all hazardous energy and locks it, so it cannot start during maintenance or cleaning. Each person applies a personal lock and tag. Actarion guides LOTO step by step on tablet or AR glasses and logs every isolation point.
Why does it matter on the shop floor?
- An isolation point is missed on a complex machine.
- There is no proof of who locked and verified what.
What is LOTO?
LOTO is a procedure to isolate energy sources (electrical, pneumatic, hydraulic, mechanical, thermal) and secure them with locks and tags before work starts.
LOTO is required by safety regulations in many countries, such as OSHA 29 CFR 1910.147 in the US. Key steps are preparing, shutting down, isolating, locking, releasing stored energy and verifying zero energy.
Key elements
- 1Notify, shut down and isolate all energy sources.
- 2Apply locks and tags, release stored energy.
- 3Verify zero energy before work starts.
Example from the shop floor
Before clearing a jam, a technician isolates the main switch and the air supply, applies her lock and tag, and tests that the machine cannot start.
How does Actarion help?
- Actarion shows each isolation point on the machine with AR and records photo proof per lock.
- Digital, step-by-step work instructions generated from your SOPs with AI.
- AR guidance on tablets and AR glasses, with an audit trail per execution.
Frequently asked questions
Lockout/tagout: locking energy sources and tagging them with the worker's name.
Only trained and authorized employees, as defined in your safety procedure.
Yes. The procedure and checks can be digital; the physical locks remain.
