Lock-out & Tag-out & Test-Out or Try-out

1. What is Lock-out, Tag-out and Test-out or Try-out? 

Lock-out / Tag-out / Test-out or Try-out (LOTO) protect workers by preventing others from turning on equipment or from a release of energy while working on or servicing equipment & machinery, working inside a grain bin and working around conveyors and augers. LOTO controls hazardous energy.

2. How does it work? 

All power sources are disconnected and locked in the off position. Each person involved locks out the power with their own personal lock and key so they have control of the energy source. They place a tag on the lock to warn others and to identify who is responsible. Before beginning work, each person tries the energy source to ensure it is locked out. No one else can remove another’s lock. Therefore, no one can accidently turn on the equipment. In some facilities, only designated people can lock-out power sources and /or an alternative group lockout process is used.

3. Lock-out & Tag-out

A) Identify the equipment/ machinery that needs to be shut down and ALL its energy sources. 

Electrical, mechanical, gravitational, thermal, hydraulic, pneumatic and chemical. 

B) Determine if there are any stored energy sources.

Capacitors, springs; elevated components; rotating flywheels; hydraulic systems; air, gas, steam, water pressure; piles that can shift; etc.

C) Properly shut down equipment and machines. 

Notify to workers about the shutdown those who work on the machines or equipment or work in area where LOTO will be done.

Shut off the power sources. 

Apply locks & tags to the power sources, so the machine or equipment cannot be started.

4. Test-Out or Try-out

Test to see if the equipment is properly locked out by trying / test to start it. 

After the work is completed and remove all tools. 

Notify all employees the locks will be removed and the equipment will be restarted. 

5. What is meaning of Out? i.e We Put Lock and Tag;

The term “out” in both words implies that the device is out of service and out of reach for unauthorized persons. 

Therefore, Lockout, Tagout and Test-out should always be used together to ensure maximum safety.