Digitise Lockout-Tagout procedures

• Posted on 16 September 2022
• 0

When the topic of Lockout-Tagout is brought up, not everyone always immediately sees the benefits. Implementing a Lockout-Tagout (LOTO) procedure is sometimes, wrongly, seen as burdensome, inconvenient and production-delaying. But controlling and isolating hazardous energy using LOTO is actually essential for creating a safe working environment.

In addition, using Lockout-Tagout is the best way to comply with European regulations on de-energising and safe working.

A LOTO procedure
Besides the general LOTO rules, there are also machine and facility-specific Lockout-Tagout procedures. Every machine in a facility has its own unique power source. Some machines are connected to a regular power outlet, while others have their own unique specific power sources. Others have multiple power sources and even back-up batteries. It is not enough if a LOTO programme only says "isolate and lockout all power sources". Instead, a good Lockout-Tagout procedure specifies exactly what type of power a machine uses, where it is located, how it should be properly locked, and how and where it should be tagged to allow everyone to perform their duties safely.

Clear and easy-to-follow LOTO procedures can save lives. With correctly drafted LOTO procedures, you ensure that everyone can return home safely at the end of the day.

Lockout-Tagout training
Employees work safer by following proper OSHA Lockout-Tagout training procedures and controls. It is up to managers to ensure that the right procedure and equipment is in place to protect workers from potentially dangerous and uncontrolled energy.

Many companies offer their employees LOTO training by introducing them to certain applications and configurations of equipment and related documents. Once employees are inducted, it becomes their own responsibility to properly carry out the Lockout-Tagout procedure. If you digitise this procedure using the right digital solution, the customised procedure becomes a focused workflow with two-way communication that guides employees through the right steps every time.

Creating Lockout-Tagout procedures
Drafting and implementing a successful Lockout-Tagout procedure can be complex. Creating the most efficient and safe procedure requires not only a review of the current safety procedures (work permits), but also an assessment of the operators' skills and an analysis of the facility.

Creating a Lockout-Tagout procedure incorrectly can lead to production losses, dangerous situations and, in some cases, even serious injuries. A good Lockout-Tagout procedure complies with legislation and guidelines and is implemented at all levels of the organisation and among all employees. It is therefore more than just a policy document.

- The hazardous energy present and the type of energy isolation or deactivation device required.
- Where the interlocks are required and how they should be installed.
- The steps for deactivating, isolating, blocking and de-energising stored or remaining energy.
- The steps for installing and removing all interlocks.
- How insulation should be checked.
- How to inform others in the area of the lockout and reactivation.

Lockout-Tagout procedures and work instructions may include images or photographs of what is
being described. A well-drafted and machine-specific Lockout-Tagout procedure facilitates employees' compliance with the process.

Digitise Lockout-Tagout procedures
It takes a lot of time and work to regularly review and update all the different machine-specific Lockout-Tagout procedures, confined space access procedures, maintenance schedules and other important documents. Therefore, Lockout-Tagout software systems for managing your LOTO procedures, performing audits and tracking LOTO work are the ideal solution.

We offer several solutions to digitise Lockout-Tagout procedures, including Link360 from Brady and eLoto from Master Lock.

Link360 from Brady
"The Link360™ software is the first software that gives you a complete overview of the activities involved in creating, reviewing and updating visual information."

Link360 is advanced subscription-based Lockout-Tagout software. You can access the Access LINK360® anywhere, anytime.

- Create visual procedures for lockout-tagout, confined spaces and maintenance
- Cloud-based technology allows you to monitor workflows and data anytime from your desktop, tablet or smartphone.
- Detailed reports by installation or location.

Request a demo account now through [email protected]

eLoto from Masterlock
Master Lock eLOTO is an easy-to-use cloud-based software solution for writing and managing visual Lockout-Tagout procedures.

Master Lock eLOTO, consists of an online procedure database and two mobile apps, allowing access from anywhere on an intuitive interface. eLOTO provides users with the tools and process for writing lockout procedures and performing audits.

Together, the eLOTO procedure database and mobile apps help ensure that Lockout-Tagout procedures are accurate and up-to-date.

- A search engine for easy access to machine-specific procedures
- Determine user settings (administrator, writer or read-only)
- View and organise isolation point data collected via the eLOTO app for writers
- Customise images and apply them in procedures
- Select a standard template for creating consistent procedures
- Generate, modify and print procedures with Microsoft® Word
- Track and update procedures and scheduled staff audits
- Manage procedure updates and corrective actions after audit
- Export procedure and audit data to Microsoft® Excel
- SaaS Tier 4 database security; certified in accordance with ISO 27001

If you would like more information on digitising your Lockout-Tagout procedure, please contact us at [email protected] or +31 (0)10 822 44 00.