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Lockout / Tagout (LOTO) Training

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Lockout / Tagout (LOTO) Training

Lockout/Tagout is the disabling of equipment to control the release of potentially hazardous energy while maintenance or service activities are being performed.

Energy sources include, but are not limited to:

  • electrical
  • hydraulic
  • mechanical
  • compressed air
  • thermal
  • pressurized water
  • gravitational
  • hydraulic
  • compressed air
  • pressurized water

Required initially, before work is performed, whenever there is a change in process, procedure, or hazard and a refresher recommended every 1 – 3 years.

The Occupational Safety & Health Association (OSHA) standard for The Control of Hazardous Energy (Lockout/Tagout), Title 29 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 1910.147, addresses the practices and procedures necessary to disable machinery or equipment, thereby preventing the release of hazardous energy while employees perform servicing and maintenance activities. The standard outlines measures for controlling hazardous energies—electrical, mechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic, chemical, thermal, and other energy sources.

The standards establish requirements that employers must follow when employees are exposed to hazardous energy while servicing and maintaining equipment and machinery. Some of the most critical requirements from these standards are outlined below:

  • Develop, implement, and enforce an energy control program.
  • Use lockout devices for equipment that can be locked out. Tagout devices may be used in lieu of lockout devices only if the tagout program provides employee protection equivalent to that provided through a lockout program.
  • Ensure that new or overhauled equipment is capable of being locked out.
  • Develop, implement, and enforce an effective tagout program if machines or equipment are not capable of being locked out.
  • Develop, document, implement, and enforce energy control procedures.
  • Use only lockout/tagout devices authorized for the particular equipment or machinery and ensure that they are durable, standardized, and substantial.
  • Ensure that lockout/tagout devices identify the individual users.
  • Establish a policy that permits only the employee who applied a lockout/tagout device to remove it.
  • Inspect energy control procedures at least annually.
  • Provide effective training as mandated for all employees covered by the standard.
  • Comply with the additional energy control provisions in OSHA standards when machines or equipment must be tested or repositioned, when outside contractors work at the site, in group lockout situations, and during shift or personnel changes.

Regulatory bodies
  • Cal/OSHA (California Occupational Safety & Health Association)
Who needs it

Occupational Safety & Health Association (OSHA) requires that all facilities that use equipment on which cleaning, repairing, servicing, setting-up and adjusting will be performed must have written hazardous energy control procedures for locking out and tagging out equipment. Lockout and tagout rules affect everyone — even those worker who don’t actually service equipment. OSHA requires lockout and tagout because failure to lockout machinery before working on it is a major cause of serious injury and death in California.

Regulation reference
  • Cal/OSHA Title 8, Section 3314.
  • Cal/OSHA Title 8, Section 3203.
  • Cal/OSHA Title 8, Section 5144.
  • Cal/OSHA Title 8, Section 1509.
What our training provides:

The course covers the lockout/tagout program and procedures and how to use locking/tagging devices.
The session is approximately 1 hour in length.

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What is Lockout/Tagout (LOTO)?
Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) is a safety procedure that involves isolating energy sources from equipment to prevent accidental startup during maintenance or servicing.

Why is Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) training necessary in California?
Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) training is essential to comply with Cal/OSHA regulations and prevent workplace accidents and injuries.

Who needs Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) training?
Anyone who works with or around equipment that requires servicing, maintenance, or repair should receive Lockout/Tagout (LOTO)training.

What types of energy sources are covered by Lockout/Tagout (LOTO)?
Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) covers electrical, hydraulic, mechanical, thermal, compressed air, pressurized water, gravitational, and other energy sources.

How often should Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) training be conducted in California?
Initial training is required, and refresher training is recommended every 1 to 3 years or when there are process changes or new hazards.

What are the key components of a Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) program?
A Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) program includes written procedures, employee training, lockout devices, and tags.

What is the purpose of a Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) procedure?
The procedure provides step-by-step instructions on how to safely shut down and isolate equipment, ensuring it cannot be unintentionally started.

What is the role of locks and tags in Lockout/Tagout (LOTO)?
Locks are physical barriers, and tags provide information, both indicating that equipment is locked out and should not be operated.

Can anyone remove a lock or tag during a Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) procedure?
Only the person who applied the lock or tag should remove it unless a specific release procedure is in place.

What should I do if I encounter equipment with a lock or tag on it?
Do not attempt to operate the equipment. Contact the person who applied the lock or tag for further instructions.

What are the consequences of not following Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) procedures in California?
Non-compliance can result in serious injuries, fatalities, OSHA citations, and fines.

Are there specific Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) procedures for different types of equipment?
Yes, procedures should be tailored to each piece of equipment and its unique energy sources.

Can Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) procedures be temporarily bypassed for convenience or to save time?
No, Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) procedures should never be bypassed or ignored for any reason.

What is the importance of conducting Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) inspections?
Regular inspections ensure that locks, tags, and equipment remain in proper working condition.

Can contractors or temporary workers perform Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) without training?
No, all individuals working on or near equipment should receive Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) training, regardless of their employment status.

What steps should be taken in an emergency during a Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) procedure?
Emergency procedures should be outlined in the Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) program to address unexpected situations.

Is Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) training transferable between companies in California?
Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) training received at one company may not be sufficient for another; training should align with the specific equipment and procedures at each workplace.

Can Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) procedures be used for equipment with multiple energy sources?
Yes, procedures should address all energy sources for a given piece of equipment.

How can employees stay updated on Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) procedures and regulations?
Regular training updates and communication of any changes in procedures or regulations are essential.

Who is responsible for overseeing Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) compliance in California-based companies?
Employers are responsible for implementing and enforcing LOTO programs, while employees must follow procedures to ensure safety.

Where can I find qualified Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) trainers?
Industrial hygienists, environmental consultants, safety professionals/firms. CDMS offers Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) training tailored to your facility. Our instructors have extensive experience and can provide training onsite at your facility.

Contact Us, request a Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) training. Let us ensure your personnel complete the required training so your team is fully prepared to implement your Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) program.