Introduction

Hazardous energy can be electrical, mechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic, chemical, thermal, and more. Most machines and equipment use or create energy than can harm employees. Some energy sources are obvious, such as electricity or heat in a furnace. Others are less obvious, such as air pressure in a system or a tightly wound spring.

When maintaining equipment, an unexpected machine startup or release of stored energy can result in serious worker or bystander injury - even death. De-energizing equipment and machinery is critically important. The safety procedure called lockout/tagout (LOTO) ensures that dangerous machines and circuits are properly de-energized (shut off) and not able to be started up again until after the completion of maintenance or repair work.

Disabling hazardous energy sources while performing service and maintenance on machinery is covered mainly by 29 CFR §1910.147, The control of hazardous energy (lockout/tagout). You will now learn about this OSHA regulation.

Throughout this course, the term "machine" refers to both machinery and equipment. When "maintenance" is used, it refers to both servicing and maintenance. Lockout/tagout will frequently be referred to as "LOTO."

To learn more about Construction Lockout/Tagout visit our Construction Lockout/Tagout Online Training web page.