Machines break down. And when they do, they need to be serviced. It’s not enough to just “shut them off” and make repairs. According to OSHA, machines need to have power sources removed and be locked out, tagged out (LOTO), and isolated from the source to prevent serious injury. Most important, the LOTO process must include verification that all energy sources have been isolated.
“A LOTO plan must include a clear distinction between online adjustment and offline maintenance. The choice of when to apply LOTO must not rest with the equipment operator. One-size-fits-all LOTO plans only work with similar equipment. Canned LOTO plans are generally too vague to serve as anything other than a guide for further refinement. Every system and piece of equipment should get its own separate LOTO plan,” said Arthur Zatarain, PE, a board certified forensic engineer.