LOTO Services - Energy Source Identification and Hazard Isolation

The most essential task associated with launching a Lockout Tagout Program includes, performance of a workplace survey and hazard assessment to identify the equipment and machines with Hazardous Energy, along with their isolation points.

LOTO can be accomplished easily and effectively if the surveyors study all the types of energies present, the hazards to be controlled, and the method of energy control, including the stored energies as well.
• Survey of the workplace should be performed to identify the machines and equipment that could accidentally energize, start up or release hazardous energies. Also, check that the machines are capable of being locked out.
• Access the Hazards and the Hazardous points of the equipment to be serviced or maintained.
• Understand the input of the employees, as they are the most affected ones, and they are often the ones most familiar with the equipment.
• Hazards should be labelled properly. Labelling of the isolating points & isolating devices is also of great benefit to the employees in assuring that energy control devices can be quickly and properly applied.
• Communication with and feedback from employees should be sought continuously to identify deficiencies and to detect opportunities for improvement.
• Right kind of Lockout Devices for different isolation points like electrical switches, isolators, ball valves, gate valves, butterfly valves, etc. need to be assessed carefully by someone who is experienced & is well aware of all kinds of Lockout devices available.
• A comprehensive report needs to be made and presented before the management, defining all the hazards with their locations & methods of their energy isolation, along with the prescription of Lockout Tagout Devices required.

A thorough study of all Hazard Isolations and the complete documentation is the base of a Successful LOTO System. So, it is essential that we seek the help of a LOTO Expert or get professional guidance for the same.