What is the difference between lockout and tagout?

A lockout uses a physical padlock to prevent re-energisation — it provides positive protection. A tagout uses a warning tag attached to the energy isolation point. OSHA requires lockout wherever possible; tagout alone is only permitted where the equipment cannot be locked out.

Who can perform LOTO?

OSHA requires that authorised employees who service or maintain equipment be trained in LOTO procedures. Affected employees (who operate the equipment) must be trained to recognise LOTO devices and not attempt to restart locked-out equipment.

GLOSSARY

Lockout Tagout (LOTO): Definition, Procedure & OSHA Requirements

Lockout tagout (LOTO) is an energy control procedure that isolates dangerous machines from electrical, mechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic, chemical, or thermal energy during maintenance. It uses locks, warning tags, written procedures, training, and verification steps to prevent unexpected startup or energy release.

Last updated 2026-05-01

What Is Lockout Tagout?

Lockout tagout (LOTO), also written as 'lock out tag out', is an energy control procedure that physically isolates hazardous energy sources — electrical, mechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic, chemical, or thermal — during maintenance activities. The 'lockout' component involves applying a physical lock to energy isolation points; the 'tagout' component involves attaching a warning tag indicating that equipment must not be re-energised.

OSHA LOTO Standard (29 CFR 1910.147)

OSHA's Control of Hazardous Energy standard (29 CFR 1910.147) requires employers to establish an energy control programme, develop written procedures for each piece of equipment, train employees, and conduct annual audits of energy control procedures. Failure to comply with LOTO requirements is consistently one of OSHA's top 10 most-cited violations.

The 6-Step Lockout Tagout Procedure

Prepare for shutdown — identify all energy sources and gather lockout devices
Notify affected employees — inform all workers in the area
Shut down the equipment — follow the normal stopping procedure
Isolate energy sources — operate all energy isolation devices (switches, valves)
Apply lockout/tagout devices — each authorised employee applies their personal lock
Verify isolation — test controls to confirm the equipment cannot be energised (try-out)

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between lockout and tagout?: A lockout uses a physical padlock to prevent re-energisation — it provides positive protection. A tagout uses a warning tag attached to the energy isolation point. OSHA requires lockout wherever possible; tagout alone is only permitted where the equipment cannot be locked out.
Who can perform LOTO?: OSHA requires that authorised employees who service or maintain equipment be trained in LOTO procedures. Affected employees (who operate the equipment) must be trained to recognise LOTO devices and not attempt to restart locked-out equipment.

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