Isolation & Lock Out / Tag Out – (LOTO)

Isolation and lock out means, in its basic form, applying a lock to an energy source in the off or safe position, thus preventing it from being operated. This can be an electrical circuit breaker, a high pressure valve or a pin to prevent movement by gravity. It is not sufficient to tie a tag to a circuit breaker as anyone can still turn it on. A robust isolation system would include a padlock that identifies who is working on equipment.

Users should isolate equipment prior to commencing any work on hazardous energy sources relating to the job, no matter how small the job, because if they are not controlling the energy source then an accident can happen. Procedures are an essential part of safe isolation work practices. These can be simple or complex depending on the option involved but they must be clearly understood by everyone who can be affected by the uncontrolled energy source. Machines can have more than one energy source and all must be isolated and locked out. For larger or more complex plants a written procedure should be available for workers to follow. Clean instructions and identifications are essential and it is important that isolation points to all energy sources are labelled on plant machinery so they are easily identified. This includes electrical isolators, valves and circuit breakers. They should all have unique identifiable labels and any isolation procedure should make reference to these.

ACT Safety Ltd consultants have back grounds in high risk steel and mining where isolations are a critical part of the overall safety of employees. ACT Safety Ltd already provide isolation and lock out training and assist clients in the modification of plant and development of procedures to assist them in the development of a robust isolation system. They also provide Master Lock padlocks and equipment at competitive prices. This makes ACT Safety Ltd the ideal ‘one stop shop’.

If you have any queries relating to isolations and lock outs or are concerned about the level of safety you are currently providing your people please do not hesitate in contacting us at www.actsafety.co.nz .