Nov 15, 2025
5 Essential Steps for Lockout Tagout During Equipment Maintenance
A strong safety culture starts with clear procedures. Begin by preparing the work area - ensure it's safe, notify affected employees, and confirm everyone understands the scope. Then, shut down equipment properly and wait for all moving parts to stop.
Next, isolate all energy sources - electrical, hydraulic, pneumatic, and hidden ones like stored pressure. Apply lockout tagout devices, making sure each worker uses their personal lock for accountability. Finally, verify zero energy state by testing controls and attempting a safe start-up. Safety isn’t just a checklist - it’s a commitment lived on the shop floor.