Lockout/Tagout (LOTO)

Lockout/Tagout (LOTO)

Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) is a safety process used to protect individuals from the unexpected startup of equipment or the uncontrolled release of hazardous energy during servicing and maintenance activities.

SMU has established a standardized approach for controlling hazardous energy on campus. Employees, students, contractors, and service providers whose work involves servicing or maintaining equipment where hazardous energy may be present must follow the SMU Control of Hazardous Energy Program.

Before performing LOTO on campus, complete the through the Office of Risk Management (ORM).

SMU Lockout Requirements

  • SMU personnel use blue locks for identification.

  • Contractors and service providers use red locks for identification.

  • Each individual performing LOTO must maintain control of their assigned lock.

  • Lockout devices must remain in place until the work is complete and the equipment can be safely returned to service.

  • Before a lockout device may be cut or removed by anyone other than the individual who applied it, the removal process must be documented by a representative of the SMU Office of Risk Management.

How LOTO Works

LOTO prevents equipment from being started, energized, or releasing stored energy while servicing or maintenance is being performed. Energy-isolating devices are secured with physical locks, and tags or digital identification provide important information about the lockout.

Locks provide physical control of the energy-isolating device and help prevent equipment from being unexpectedly energized or started.

Tags and digital identification communicate that equipment is under LOTO and must not be operated, energized, or otherwise disturbed until the lockout has been properly removed.

Who Performs LOTO?

Authorized Persons

Authorized persons are individuals who have been trained to perform LOTO and are responsible for applying and removing energy-control devices when servicing or maintaining equipment.

SMU ORM provides LOTO training through online and in-person options based on employee and operational needs.

Affected Persons

Affected persons include individuals who operate equipment being serviced under LOTO or who work in an area where LOTO is being performed. Affected persons must understand the purpose of LOTO and must never attempt to start, energize, operate, or remove a lock or tag from equipment that has been locked out.

When Is LOTO Required?

LOTO is required when servicing or maintenance activities could expose an individual to the unexpected startup or energization of equipment or the release of hazardous energy.

Examples of activities may include:

  • Servicing and maintenance

  • Equipment installation or modification

  • Repairs and adjustments

  • Inspections requiring exposure to hazardous energy

  • Cleaning, clearing, or other activities where safeguards may be removed or bypassed

What Is Hazardous Energy?

Hazardous energy is any form of energy that could cause injury if unexpectedly released or activated. Sources may include:

  • Electrical

  • Mechanical

  • Hydraulic

  • Pneumatic

  • Chemical

  • Thermal

  • Pressure

  • Gravity

  • Other stored or residual energy

Controlling Hazardous Energy

SMU requires hazardous energy to be properly identified, isolated, and controlled before servicing or maintenance begins. Physical locks are used to secure energy-isolating devices and prevent unexpected startup or the release of hazardous energy.

Individuals performing LOTO must follow the procedures established in the . Refer to the program for detailed requirements regarding training, energy isolation, verification, lockout procedures, and the safe return of equipment to service.