Controlling Hazardous Energy (Lockout/Tagout)

Upon completing this program, participants will be able to:

• Identify all energy sources on equipment: electrical (line voltage, control circuits, capacitors), mechanical (rotating inertia, springs), hydraulic (pressurised fluid, accumulators), pneumatic (compressed air, gas), gravitational (elevated components, suspended loads), thermal (hot/cold surfaces, steam), chemical (reactive materials), and the residual/stored energy that remains after primary isolation.
• Develop machine-specific energy control procedures: the written procedure for each machine specifying the type and magnitude of energy, location of isolating devices, the steps for shutdown, isolation, lockout/tagout device application, and verification, plus the steps for restoring the machine to operation.
• Apply the six-step LOTO sequence: (1) preparation (identify energy sources and procedures), (2) machine shutdown (orderly), (3) energy isolation (operate all isolating devices), (4) lockout/tagout device application (personal lock, one per authorised employee), (5) stored/residual energy release (bleed, block, discharge, relieve), (6) verification (attempt to start the machine to confirm isolation).
• Manage group lockout/tagout: group procedures for complex machines requiring multiple authorised employees, the group lockout device, primary authorised employee responsibilities, individual lock application within group lockout, and the coordination that ensures every worker is protected.
• Conduct periodic inspections per §1910.147(c)(6): annual review of each energy control procedure, conducted by an authorised employee other than the one using the procedure, including observation of the procedure being used, correction of deficiencies, and certification documentation.
• Train all employee categories: authorised employees (those who apply locks and perform servicing), affected employees (those whose machines are locked out), and other employees (those who work in areas where LOTO is used), with the specific training content required for each category.

Core Curriculum Topics

• Energy Sources: electrical, mechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic, gravitational, thermal, chemical, stored/residual
• Machine-Specific Procedures: written procedures per machine, energy identification, isolation steps
• LOTO Devices: locks (personal, keyed differently), tags, hasps, group lockout devices
• Six-Step LOTO Sequence: prepare, shutdown, isolate, apply devices, release stored energy, verify
• Group Lockout/Tagout: complex machines, primary authorised employee, individual locks within group
• Shift Change Procedures: continuity of protection during personnel transitions
• Tagout-Only Limitations: when tagout alone is used (additional training, full compliance, extra precautions)
• Periodic Inspections (§1910.147(c)(6)): annual, by different authorised employee, observation, certification
• Authorised/Affected/Other Employees: role definitions, training requirements for each
• Removing Another Worker’s Lock: the extraordinary procedure (verification, notification, management authorisation)
• LOTO and Confined Space Integration: energy isolation as a prerequisite for confined space entry

• No prior training required
• No academic degree required
• All instruction in English; working proficiency required

Upon completion, graduates receive an American Institute of Safety Professionals certificate, wallet card, and transcript. Employer-verifiable at amiosp.com/student-verifications.

• Authorised employees who apply locks and perform maintenance/servicing
• Maintenance supervisors who oversee LOTO compliance and procedure development
• Safety officers managing the LOTO programme and periodic inspections
• Machine operators (affected employees) who need to understand LOTO procedures
• Electricians and mechanics who service equipment
• Anyone involved in writing or auditing machine-specific energy control procedures

• Controlling Hazardous Energy (LOTO) — YOU ARE HERE (OSHA 1910.147)
• Machine Safeguarding (guards that protect during operation)
• Permit-Required Confined Spaces (LOTO as isolation for confined space entry)
• Electrical Safety for Technicians and Supervisors (LOTO within NFPA 70E electrical safety)
• International Diploma in Industrial Safety Management (LOTO at diploma depth)