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So why is Lock Out Tag Out (LOTO) important and necessary?
Lock Out Tag Out procedures including Isolation are required to minimise the risk of uncontrolled movement of equipment or release of energy that could lead to an incident involving actual or potential personal injury, environmental impact or asset damage.
Whenever there is construction, maintenance, demolition, remediation and other similar work that are typical to any industry, there is the potential for harm to people, environment and damage to equipment. Energy Isolation is a key component of the system of work that allows tasks to be completed safely and without unplanned loss of containment with the potential to cause harm or damage.
How is Isolation achieved?
Locks and tags are issued and recorded when plant is to be isolated. The same locks and tags are recovered and checked off when the plant is to be re-commissioned. All persons attaching personal locks and personal danger tags are responsible for checking that all sources of energy and required isolation points are identified and recorded on an isolation register.
Isolation can be simple or complex. Simple generally refers to one energy source being isolated by one individual to carry out a task. Complex Isolation may include, but are not limited to, work requiring isolation of dual energy sources, multiple sources of energy requiring isolation, isolations required by multiple trades or organisations, and isolations required for confined space entry. The use of hasps and group lock boxes are used in the control of complex isolations.
Remember to consider all sources, not just electrical, when assessing the complexity of isolations required to safely execute the work.
If you require additional information on LOTO and Isolation please refer to the below Australian/New Zealand standards or consult your National or State Health and Safety regulator.
AS/NZS 4836:2011 – Safe working on or near low-voltage electrical installations and equipment. Provides workers on low-voltage electrical installations with: (a) the principles of safe working practices; and (b) recommended procedures for safe working practices.
AS 4024.1603-2019 – Safety of machinery – Design of controls, interlocks and guards – Prevention of unexpected start-up. The objective of this Standard is to specify requirements for designed-in means aimed at preventing unexpected machine start-up to allow safe human interventions in danger zones.