When is a piece of equipment considered LOTO and safe to work on?

A piece of equipment is considered LOTO (Lockout/Tagout) and safe to work on when the machine has been brought to a zero energy state using the LOTO procedure. This means that all energy sources, including electrical, mechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic, chemical, and thermal energy, have been effectively controlled, isolated, and locked out to prevent the accidental release of energy while maintenance or servicing is performed.

The zero energy state is crucial because it ensures that the equipment cannot inadvertently start or move while a worker is engaged in tasks that could pose serious hazards. Achieving this state typically involves shutting down the machine, isolating it from its energy sources, and applying lockout devices to prevent anyone from accidentally re-energizing the equipment until the work is complete.

While cleanliness, inspection, and employee notification are necessary components of the overall safety process, they do not, by themselves, ensure the safe working condition of the equipment. Only by fully implementing lockout/tagout procedures and confirming that the equipment is in a zero energy state can workers be assured that they can safely conduct their tasks without risk of injury.