Lock Out, Tag Out, Test Out

Lock Out, Tag Out, Test Out is a program that is used to protect people from the uncontrolled release of hazardous energy. At SMU, there is a standardized approach to LOTO. Any employee, contractor, or student whose work or education involves hazardous energies while servicing or maintaining equipment will follow the SMU’s Control of Hazardous Energy Program. Please review the SMU’s Control of Hazardous Energy Program for specific information regarding LOTO.

When Performing LOTO, fill out online the digital LOTO tag on the ORM WEBSITE.

  • SMU uses blue locks for color identification
  • Contractors will use red locks for color identification
  • Before any SMU employee or contractor can cut a lockout device on campus a person from the SMU ORM will need to document the process.

How LOTO Works

Purpose: Lock-Out Tag-Out (LOTO) is a system that use two methods of preventing machinery or equipment from hurting people. LOTO is to ensure equipment is shut-off and only the person performing the maintenance or repair can turn the machine back on.

  1. The lock is to ensure that people comply with the information provided on the LOTO tag.
  2. The LOTO tag helps with communication of the LOTO system. The Tag communicates to others that someone is performing a certain type of dangerous work and they should not attempt to turn on equipment.

Who: Anyone performing LOTO On-Campus

Authorized Person:

  • OSHA requires people performing LOTO to be trained and authorized.
  • SMU ORM offers training online and in-person depending on employee needs.

Affected Person: 

  • Anyone who is working or operating near LOTO equipment.
  • Affected People should know that the equipment that has a lock and tag on the equipment is locked out for safety reasons.
  • Affected people should not attempt to remove a lock or start equipment that has lock and tag

When:

When a person is working with hazardous energy

Hazardous Energy

  • Electrical, mechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic, chemical, thermal, and other energy sources that involves service, maintenance, construction, installation, inspecting, or modifying equipment.

How:

SMU requires the control of hazardous energy is controlled by a physical lock. OSHA provides clear guidelines for LOTO procedures. 

Information on the Tag

  1. Who
    • Who is locking out the equipment?
  2. Company
    • What company does the person the LOTO work for?
  3. Phone
    • What is the contact information of the person performing LOTO?
  4. What & Why
    • What and why is something locked out?

Fill out a digital LOTO Tag

Picture of LOTO Procedures