Lockout/Tagout (LOTO)
Anyone who operates, cleans, services, adjusts, and repairs machinery or equipment should know the hazards associated with that machinery. People can be seriously injured or killed if hazardous energy is not properly controlled. Hazardous energy comes from electrical, mechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic, chemical, thermal, or other sources found in machines and equipment. These energy sources can become dangerous when there is an unexpected startup or release of stored energy during work.
UT Dallas recognizes that preventing unexpected start-up or releasing stored energy from equipment during service, repair, maintenance, operation, and associated activities is key to protecting employees from injuries. UT Dallas has developed a written program that establishes the minimum requirements for controlling hazardous energy and applies to the maintenance or service of equipment, machines, or systems.
No UT Dallas employees may perform maintenance or service work on any equipment, machines, or systems without the appropriate Lockout/Tagout training. Faculty, staff, and students are prohibited from attempting to start any equipment, machines, or systems that have been locked out, and from removing any locks or tags that have been placed by other employees or contractors.
General Requirements
LOTO is accomplished by placing a lockout and/or a tagout device on a switch, valve, breaker, or similar equipment to prevent reactivation of the equipment and to warn that maintenance activities are in progress. Equipment is considered “locked out” when the flow of hazardous energy has been blocked and operation of the equipment is prevented until the lockout device is removed. Equipment is considered “tagged out” when a warning tag is placed on the equipment warning others that the equipment is being serviced and must not be operated. These safety measures should be used together to provide the maximum level of protection for those performing the service
The following general requirements must be met to comply with UTD’s Lockout/Tagout Program:
- Develop written, equipment-specific lockout procedures for the control of potentially hazardous energies before service/maintenance activities. This can be accomplished by reviewing energy control procedures.
- Ensure that LOTO device(s) are available to all employees, as needed.
- Ensure that when new equipment is purchased or existing equipment is modified, it can be locked out.
- Enforce the proper use of LOTO equipment and establish control of energy sources.
- Inform outside contractors of the UT Dallas LOTO Program and its requirements.
- Perform at least annual reviews of LOTO procedures.
- Provide and/or coordinate employee LOTO training programs.
- Maintain adequate records.
