LoTo(To)

LoTo(To) stands for Lockout Tagout (TryOut) and protects an employee by preventing others from using equipment or the switch on the machine during maintenance work or during troubleshooting. It also offers protection against the release of (residual) energy in the equipment or machine.

How does it work?

All power source are turned off/closed and locked in the off position. This could be due to, for example, the locking of an isolation switch or a valve. The employee locks the isolation switch/valve with his own personal padlock (Lockout) so that he/she has control over the energy Reference(s). In addition, a label (Tagout) placed on the padlock to warn others who is responsible for this particular padlock. Because the padlock is personal, no one else can remove someone else's padlock. Therefore can no one accidentally turns on the equipment.

Before the employee goes to the next step, he tests whether the closed maintenance switch/valve is still switched on can be (Tryout). This may of course not be the case.

LoTo(To) is therefore not only there for electrical work but also for mechanical engineering activities. The latter is not always known to everyone.

Lockout, Tagout and Tryout further explained

LOCKOUT

Switch off all possible hazardous energy at isolation points (mains switch, valves, etc.)

Secure all isolation points (isolation switch, shut-off valves, etc.) with a locking system so that they cannot be switched on early and without authorization.

TAGOUT

Applying warning tags to (service switch, valves, etc) for reference.

Tagout does not offer the same guarantee as lockout! Therefore, use all items of the LoTo!

TRYOUT

Make sure that no residual energy is present. Pay particular attention to: mechanical parts of the machine (can it still make its “stroke”)?, is there still energy in the pipeline (hot/chemical liquid or gas)?

Risks: What could happen?

Employees who carry out maintenance or repairs on machines or on/in electrical or mechanical installations do risky work. They open the installation or the machines, parts thereof, which exposes them to other hazards than the employees who operate and/or use the machines or installations.

After all for the operators/users were shielded from the dangers.

For example, employees who carry out maintenance or repairs may come into contact with:

• moving parts
• live parts
• a hazardous substance

The hazards that can occur are also referred to as 'energy Reference(s)'. To prevent injuries and damage to health, the machine or the installation part must be closed prior to the work, (this is also called 'isolating').

All of these overlying risks can result in serious health damage or even death!

What are dangerous energy Reference(s)

The following types of energy source can be distinguished when working on installations/machines:

• Mechanical: moving parts (e.g. conveyor belt, gears, agitator) or materials (e.g. ejected particles, flowing product)
• Electrical (e.g. electrical voltage, static electricity)
• Gravity (e.g. being buried in product)
• Thermal: exposure to high or low temperatures (e.g. radiation, chemical reactions, steam, electrical resistance)
• Liquids and gases under pressure (e.g. in hydraulic systems, pneumatic systems, gas tanks, pressure vessels, steam pipes)
• Chemical: exposure to hazardous substances
• Radiation: exposure to ionizing radiation, non-ionizing radiation, electromagnetic fields
• Biological: exposure to bacteria, fungi and viruses

Follow the steps below of the LoTo(To) procedure to safely enable and disable the machine and/or installation (part).

Release (secure)

STEP	EXPLANATION
1	PERMISSION Request permission from the machine/installation manager, preferably via the work permit, to release the installation.
2	SWITCHING AND DISCONNECTING (Attention! only isolation switch then limited in work) After switching and disconnecting (in accordance with Operating manual/instruction), the installation must be completely separated from the power Reference(s).
3	PROTECT AGAINST RE-ENABLING Fit a lock or dummy to each switch and/or valve. Attach the 'Don't Switch' label with name, phone number, department and date. On the other side you indicate the reason for switching off.
4	CHECK Show that there is no voltage with a suitable measuring instrument according to the applicable method (first duspol, then prove that there is no voltage, then duspol again) Show that there is no longer any pressure in the part of the installation where you are going to work Show that there is no more residual product in the pipework Show that the temperature has cooled down sufficiently
5	EARTHING AND SHORT CIRCUIT In E-installations (≥400 Volt) make provisions against earthing and/or short circuit as extra protection against voltage.
6	SHIELD ACTIVE PARTS Adjacent active/conductive parts which mayby come under voltage during work; shield with insulating tape or with deposits.
7	TEST If applicable, test whether the installation has actually been released by performing an operating operation.

Gate Valve Lockout

Switching on (recommissioning)

STEP	EXPLANATION
1	CHECK Check whether the work is ready. Check that employees have been informed and that tools and materials have been removed from the installation.
2	PERMISSION Request permission from the machine/installation manager to switch on the machine/installation.
3	REMOVE PROTECTIONS Remove any grounding and short-circuiting devices. Remove all locks and dummies. Remove the 'Don't Switch' label.
4	TO CHECK Carry out a commissioning inspection, in accordance with the Maintenance and Operation Regulations of the relevant machine/installation.
5	SWITCH Switch on the machine/installation according to the applicable procedure in the Operating Manual. Sign off the 'Don't Switch' label.
6	READY FOR USE Give the machine/installation manager (and operators) a sign that the installation is ready for use.