Step 1. Create detailed lockout procedures. Identify the equipment to be locked out and its location. Take a picture to help employees identify it, as well. Determine the correct procedure for shutting the machine down and starting it back up, and put the procedure into a list format. Include pictures of each step, along with the energy source Lockout/Tagout. Lockout/tagout (LOTO) procedures are designed to prevent accidental startup of machines or equipment and to prevent the release of stored energy during servicing or maintenance. Use of the general lockout/tagout procedure that involves applying locks and/or tags as direct controls (as can be seen in the procedure below OSHA’s Lockout/Tagout Standard (1910.147) states that the operating key for a lockout padlock must be under the control of the person who applied the lock. So, it’s critical for facilities to reduce unintended key duplication by properly assigning and managing keys to ensure only authorized personnel are operating the safety padlocks Note: What follows is a lockout/tagout procedure example for material handling equipment. The exact procedure requirements can change depending on the specific equipment involved. Consult your owner’s manual for specifics on the recommended lockout/tagout procedure. Step 1: Detail your procedure to staff and operators in full, including location. A lockout/tagout procedure should include the following 6 steps: Preparation -The authorized employee (person performing the service/maintenance) must investigate and have complete understanding of all types of hazardous energy that must be controlled on a machine or piece of equipment. It is important that they identify the specific hazards Workplace Solutions: Using Lockout and Tagout Procedures to Prevent Injury and Death during Machine Maintenance. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) Publication No. 2011-156, (April 2011). Published January 20, 2020. Lockout/tagout annual audits are essential for maintaining a functional, compliant program. After all, it’s not enough to create lockout procedures and never review them again. It’s not enough to train and test employees just once. And it’s not enough to assume your lockout/tagout (LOTO) program is in good shape. Lockout tagout procedures exist to protect employees servicing or maintaining equipment from exposure to hazardous energy. Authorized vs Affected Employees OSHA defines an Authorized Employee (AE) as the person who locks out or tags out machines and equipment, or the person who physically applies the lockout device and tag to an energy SvOaC.