Lock Out Tag Out (LOTO)

Learn the principles of energy isolation, lockout/tagout procedures, verification, and safe restoration.

Learning Outcomes

• Identify hazardous energy sources
• Follow basic isolation steps
• Verify safe conditions before work

Course format: Customizable based on client requirements.

Target audience: Relevant employees, supervisors, managers, technicians, or operational teams.

Lock Out Tag Out (LOTO) is a workplace safety course that explains how hazardous energy must be isolated and controlled before inspection, cleaning, maintenance, adjustment, repair, or other work is performed. The programme is suitable for authorized employees, affected employees, supervisors, maintenance personnel, technicians, engineers, and safety representatives. It focuses on preventing unexpected startup, movement, release of pressure, electrical contact, or stored-energy discharge.

Participants learn to recognize different forms of hazardous energy, including electrical, mechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic, thermal, chemical, gravitational, and stored energy. The course explains why simply pressing a stop button or switching off a control is not equivalent to isolation. Learners review the purpose of disconnects, valves, blocks, restraints, blanks, bleed points, and other isolation devices.

The standard LOTO sequence is presented in a clear, practical format: prepare for shutdown, notify affected persons, stop the equipment, isolate all energy sources, apply personal locks and tags, release or restrain stored energy, verify zero-energy status, perform the work, inspect the area, remove locks under controlled conditions, restore energy, and notify affected persons. The importance of verification is emphasized because an incorrect assumption about isolation can result in severe injury.

The course also discusses group lockout, shift changes, contractor coordination, multiple energy sources, lost keys, emergency removal procedures, and equipment that cannot be locked in the normal way. Participants learn the difference between authorized and affected employees and why responsibilities must be clearly defined. Practical exercises may include identifying energy sources, reviewing an isolation procedure, and applying locks and tags to a training panel or simulated system.

By the end of the course, participants should understand the purpose of LOTO, identify hazardous energy, follow the correct isolation sequence, and recognize situations that require additional planning. The programme supports safe work but must be aligned with the organization’s written procedures, equipment-specific instructions, and legal requirements.