Lockout Tagout Training: Why Perform Lockout Tagout?

Lockout tagout training is a critical component for safeguarding employees who operate and maintain equipment. The most obvious benefit of LOTO is the safety of the employees who work in and around heavy machinery. 

Prior to the widespread implementation of lockout tagout procedures, hundreds of people were killed each year and thousands more injured in accidents related to unintended energization of machinery while it was being worked on.

The purpose of LOTO training is to ensure that energy is not released or equipment cycled while the equipment is being worked on. It is not enough to flip a power switch. Detailed procedures are necessary to make certain that machinery is:

1. De-energized, stopping the equipment from moving.
2. Locked out, meaning physically locking the control mechanism in the closed/off position.
3. Relieved of stored energy such as bleeding air from a pneumatic hose.
4. Tested to ensure energy is off.

Lockout tagout training:

• Saves lives
• Minimizes risk of injury if machines are accidentally started
• Minimizes risk of injury in unexpected releases of hazardous energy such as arc flash, steam blasts, or corrosive chemicals
• Minimizes risk of litigation
• May give eligibility for benefits and discounts on worker’s compensation with reduced accidents
• Inspires employee confidence and trust by prioritizing safety
• Increases profits due to reduced costs

OSHA requires two types of lockout tagout training:

• Authorized employee: An employee who locks or tags machines or equipment in order to perform servicing or maintenance. Authorized employees typically consist of maintenance workers, electricians, and outside contractors. Authorized employee training will include when and how to apply lockout tagout, how to handle group lockout, and shift change procedures. Authorized employees are the ones who will lockout and service the machines.
• Affected employee: An employee who is required to use machines or equipment on which servicing is performed under the lockout tagout standard, or who performs other job responsibilities in an area where such servicing is performed. Affected employees typically consist of administrative staff and machine operators that work near the machines. Affected employee training will include their responsibilities to the program and the scope and purpose of the lockout tagout program.

ESS are experts in electrical safety, maintenance, testing, design, and assessment services for electrical projects. In a short time, our certified instructors will travel to your facility anywhere in the United States and conduct training for employees, giving you more time to deal with other issues. For more information about nationwide lockout tagout training, contact ESS today!