Lock out – Tag out – Isolation SOP

SOP 015 Lock out – Tag out – Isolation

A Lock Out – Tag Out – Isolation (LOTO) procedure is a safety protocol that is used to ensure that equipment or machinery is properly shut down and not able to be restarted during maintenance or repair work. The procedure involves isolating the equipment from its energy source, locking it out, and tagging it with a warning sign to prevent accidental re-energization.

A safe operating procedure document for LOTO is necessary because it provides detailed instructions on how to safely perform the procedure. It outlines the steps to be followed when locking out equipment, including pre-lockout checks, isolation procedures, and post-lockout checks. The document also provides information on the types of locks and tags to be used, as well as the training requirements for personnel involved in the procedure.

The LOTO procedure is important because it helps to prevent accidents and injuries that can occur when equipment is accidentally re-energized during maintenance or repair work. The procedure ensures that all energy sources to the relevant plant, machinery, or equipment will be isolated, disconnected, or discharged, and that no part of the plant, machinery, or equipment will be inadvertently activated or energized.