Lockout. Tagout. Tryout.
Have you heard about Lockout Tagout Tryout? Many of us are familiar with the term Lockout Tagout (LOTO), a step-by-step process used to temporarily isolate machinery from their energy sources to prevent workplace accidents. This safety procedure ensures that potentially dangerous systems and energy sources are properly disabled.
Lockout vs Tagout
Lockout and tagout are two different things. You can either use them separately or combine them for additional safety. Lockout refers to physically placing a lock on equipment, which then prevents movement or any other form of energy release. Tagout, on the other hand, refers to putting a tag or label on a switch that warns people not to start the machinery.
Why ‘Tryout’ has been introduced
In the past, businesses only executed the lockout and tagout processes but accidents still occur when workers fail to check that all the correct and necessary isolations are in place. Businesses started to realise that methods must be tested to ensure that everything is off. This is where the added ‘Tryout’ came in, resulting in the creation of Lockout, Tagout, Tryout, or abbreviated to LOTOTO. This incorporates the original 6 steps of Lockout Tagout, along with 3 additional steps to incorporate Tryout.
Lockout Tagout Tryout essentials
You can use different methods, such as padlocks, tags or lockout cabinets, to seal off and deactivate equipment. The acronym LOTOTO is an easy-to-remember term that guides you through the steps for adequate safety. In other words, first lockout or deactivate the equipment, then tag it for visibility and information, and finally test it to make sure that everything is off and safe
Importance of Lockout Tagout Tryout
There are many recorded incidents resulting in accidents because employers neglected to implement or follow LOTOTO procedures. For example, a mechanic died of electrocution when trying to repair a brake on a bin-stacking machine. The company was guilty and received a heavy fine for not using adequate LOTOTO procedures.
In an unrelated incident, a worker lost his life when he got caught in machinery that was supposed to be shut down for maintenance. Sadly, no imposed penalty can make up for debilitating injuries and loss of life. It’s always better to be safe than sorry.
Lockout Tagout Tryout and UK law
The UK has no specific regulations pertaining directly to LOTOTO, but broader guidelines can be found in the country’s health and safety regulations. Some of these may be region-specific, but all generally describe similar responsibilities. In the UK, the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act (HSWA) 1974 covers everything on workplace safety. It emphasises that
employers must take all reasonable measures to ensure the safety of employees and other site visitors. Similarly, the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations (PUWER) 1998 states that no equipment must pose a health and safety risk. This applies to all workplaces and obliges employers to use lockout methods to prevent accidental start-ups.
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