Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) is an essential industrial safety procedure used to prevent machinery or equipment from starting unexpectedly or releasing hazardous energy during maintenance, cleaning, inspection, and repair work. The process involves identifying all energy sources, shutting down equipment, isolating those sources, applying appropriate locks and warning tags, and verifying that the equipment is safely de-energized before work begins. Hazardous energy may include electrical, mechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic, thermal, and stored energy.

Industries should establish written LOTO procedures for relevant equipment and ensure that authorized employees receive proper training. Workers must never remove another person's lock without following an approved procedure, and all stored energy must be safely released or restrained. Before equipment is restarted, employees should confirm that maintenance is complete, tools are removed, guards are restored, and personnel are safely clear of the machinery. Proper LOTO implementation helps prevent severe injuries, protects maintenance workers, and strengthens industrial safety practices.