EH&S has published an updated UW Hazardous Energy Control LOTO Program Manual with requirements for controlling hazardous energy using lockout/tagout (LOTO) to ensure employee safety and prevent injury or illness that could result during the servicing and maintenance of machines and equipment.
The UW Hazardous Energy Control LOTO Program applies to all University employees, researchers, paid student workers, vendors and contractors who may be required to service or maintain UW owned or leased machinery or equipment. Departments/units/organizations must review existing equipment maintenance and servicing procedures and determine if their LOTO requirements meet the updated UW program requirements.
Equipment, machines and systems can involve single or multiple hazardous energy sources, including but not limited to electrical, mechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic, chemical, thermal, radiation and gravitational, or a combination. Potential residual or stored energy may also be present and must also be controlled.
Potential consequences of not following LOTO procedures can result in severe injuries and even death, but often include:
| Hazard | Potential consequences |
| Electrical | Burns, shock, electrocution |
|
Mechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic, gravity |
Bone fractures, cuts, concussion, amputations, exposure to fluids released or under pressure |
| Chemical | Toxic exposure, fire/explosion |
| Radiation | Burns, hazardous acute/chronic heal effects |
The updated UW Hazardous Energy Control LOTO Program Manual includes:
- Processes to identify and isolate hazardous energy sources
- Defines and describes energy-isolating devices on equipment
- Defines and describes lockout/tagout devices and lock types
- Hazardous energy control procedures and safe work practices
- How to develop written equipment specific LOTO procedures
- Specific procedures for certain operations, group LOTO, shift changes
- Training requirements
- Periodic reviews of equipment specific LOTO procedures and employees doing LOTO
The manual is in accordance with the requirements in the Washington Administrative Code (WAC) 296-803 and aligns with standards established by the federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).
EH&S created new and updated forms to aid departments and units in implementing a compliant LOTO program:
- Department Supplemental Hazardous Energy Control LOTO Program Template
- UW LOTO Procedure form
- UW LOTO Field Procedure form
- Lockout/Tagout Program Lock Removal Form
- Lockout/Tagout Authorized Person Periodic Review
- Lockout/Tagout Equipment-Specific Procedure Periodic Review
- Department LOTO Program Annual Audit Checklist
EH&S instructor-led LOTO training courses includes the updated content.
For more information on LOTO, contact the EH&S Occupational Safety and Health team at 206.543.7388 or ehsdept@uw.edu.