What does LO/TO stand for and when should it be used?

Lockout/Tagout (LO/TO) is a crucial safety procedure used to ensure that hazardous energy sources are properly controlled during maintenance activities. The primary goal of LO/TO is to prevent the accidental startup or release of energy from machinery and equipment while they are being serviced. This process involves two key components: locking out the equipment to prevent it from being operated and tagging it to alert others that maintenance is in progress.

LO/TO is used specifically during equipment maintenance to protect workers from potential injuries caused by unexpected energization, start-up, or the release of stored energy. This procedure is vital in any setting where machinery cannot be safely operated until proper maintenance has been completed and where untrained personnel might inadvertently activate the equipment. Proper implementation of the LO/TO procedure significantly reduces the risk of accidents, ensuring a safer working environment for maintenance personnel.