In industrial and maintenance work, several types of hazardous energy may be present:
1. Electrical Energy
From energized circuits, cables, or equipment.
Hazards: Shock, burns, or electrocution.
2. Mechanical Energy
Stored in moving parts or springs (e.g., rotating machinery, compressed springs).
Hazards: Crushing, impact, or entanglement injuries.
3. Hydraulic Energy
Pressurized fluids in hydraulic systems (e.g., lifts, machinery).
Hazards: Injection injuries, sudden movement of components.
4. Pneumatic Energy
Pressurized air in pneumatic systems (e.g., air compressors).
Hazards: High-speed release or movement.
5. Thermal Energy
Heat or cold from equipment, steam, or chemicals.
Hazards: Burns or frostbite.
6. Chemical Energy
From reactive chemicals or processes (e.g., battery acid, flammable gases).
Hazards: Explosions, fire, or toxic exposures.
7. Gravity Energy
Potential energy in elevated components (e.g., cranes, suspended loads).
Hazards: Falling objects or equipment.
8. Stored Energy
Energy held in springs, capacitors, or pressurized systems after shutdown.
Hazards: Unintended release during maintenance.
Lockout/Tagout (LOTO)
LOTO is a safety procedure designed to isolate energy sources to prevent accidental release during maintenance or servicing.
Steps in LOTO
1. Preparation
Identify all energy sources and understand the hazards.
2. Shutdown
Turn off the equipment following standard procedures.
3. Isolation
Disconnect all energy sources (e.g., circuit breakers, valves).
4. Lockout
Apply a lock (physical device) to prevent reactivation.
5. Tagout
Attach a tag indicating the lockout status, reason, and responsible person.
6. Energy Dissipation
Release stored energy (e.g., bleeding hydraulic lines, discharging capacitors).
7. Verification
Test or attempt to restart the equipment to ensure energy is isolated.
8. Perform Maintenance
Conduct the task safely under LOTO conditions.
9. Release from Lockout
Reverse the process once maintenance is complete, ensuring the area is clear before re-energizing.
Why LOTO is Critical
Prevents accidents caused by unexpected energy release.
Protects workers from injuries like electrocution, burns, crushing, or amputation.
Complies with safety standards like OSHA 1910.147 (Control of Hazardous Energy).
