Lock-Out Tag-Out

LOTO is about control of hazardous energy during equipment servicing.

It is the goal of Longwood University to protect all employees, students, visitors, contractors and other personnel from potential hazards when they place any part of their body near a machine’s point of operation, power transmission, pinch point, or other moving parts during maintenance and servicing activates.  If the machine is not properly shut down and secured, it could unexpectedly start up, release stored energy, move, or cycle, causing crushing injuries, amputations, or even fatal injuries.

The content of this Program is based on the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) general industry standard 29 CFR 1910.147, The Control of Hazardous Energy and Virginia Department of Labor (VOSHA) standard VOSHA 1910.147 Control of Hazardous Energy (Lockout/Tagout).

A well-designed LOTO program does not exist in isolation.  Workers performing maintenance activities may be at risk from other hazards in the work area not covered by the LOTO program.  Whenever workers plan to shut down machinery or equipment, consider whether they also need protection from:

• Confined Space Hazards
• Machinery Hazards
• Hazards Requiring Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
• Pipe Breaking Hazards

For more information on LOTO email Environmental Health and Safety at safety@longwood.edu.