What Is Lock Out Tag Out?
Lockout Tagout (LOTO) is a safety procedure used to properly shut off machines and equipment and make sure that they cannot be started up again before the completion of maintenance and servicing activities. This involves placing a lock and a tag on the energy-isolating device to prevent the accidental energization of the machine or equipment. The lock physically prevents the equipment from being operated, while the tag serves as a warning indicating that the equipment is under maintenance and should not be used.
According to OSHA lockout tagout standards, all employees must be trained in proper LOTO procedures to ensure compliance and safety in the workplace.
What is LOTO Training?
LOTO training is an educational program designed to teach employees how to properly shut off and lock out machinery and equipment to prevent accidental or unexpected energization during servicing and maintenance activities. This training covers the necessary procedures to control potentially hazardous energy sources, the use of locks and tags, and the importance of compliance with safety standards.
LOTO training is required for all employees who work with or around machinery and equipment that could release hazardous energy. This includes operators, maintenance personnel, and anyone involved in servicing equipment. Comprehensive lockout tagout training ensures that everyone understands the correct practices to enhance workplace safety and comply with OSHA lockout tagout regulations.
LOTO Training Requirements
Lockout Tagout training requirements include comprehensive instruction on the following:
- Energy Control Procedures: Detailed steps for shutting down, isolating, and securing machines.
- Use of Locks and Tags: Proper application and removal of lockout devices.
- Employee Responsibilities: Training for authorized employees who perform maintenance and affected employees who work near the machines.
- Periodic Inspections: Regular reviews of the energy control procedures to ensure they are followed correctly.
OSHA lockout tagout standards mandate that all employees must be trained to recognize hazardous energy sources and understand the procedures to control them. Effective lock out tag out training not only fulfills regulatory requirements but also enhances overall workplace safety by preventing accidental machine energization.
Moreover, regular updates and retraining are necessary to keep employees informed about new equipment and procedures, ensuring ongoing compliance with OSHA lockout tagout regulations.
What is LOTO Certification?
LOTO certification is the process of validating that employees have successfully completed lock out tag out safety training and are competent in the procedures necessary to control hazardous energy. This certification typically follows a comprehensive LOTO training program and may include a written exam and practical demonstration.
Basically, lock out tag out certification ensures that employees are compliant with OSHA lockout tagout standards, verifying that they have the knowledge and skills to implement LOTO procedures safely. Some organizations offer free lock out tag out training, which can also lead to certification, helping to promote workplace safety at a minimal cost.
Top 8 Lock Out Tag Out Safety Training Courses
Lockout/Tagout training is an important requirement and good general safety practice in many industries. As a manager it’s a bit of a challenge to find education on the subject that’s best suited for your particular situation. Price, depth of learning, industry, and accessibility are all slightly different in each course.
TRADESAFE offers lockout tagout devices and we don’t sell or provide training, but we often get a question about the best lock out tag out safety training provider. So, we set out to find the best OSHA 1910.147 lockout tagout training programs that were generally accessible to everyone regardless of their geographical location. We reviewed countless options and compiled our own subjective and objective opinions on each of the top 8 that made the final cut.
DOL OSHA Lockout Tagout Interactive Training Program
FREE
Website: https://www.osha.gov/etools/lockout-tagout
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General Overview
The Department of Labor Lockout/Tagout course covers all information that pertains to regulations and provides a full-bodied internet-based delivery. The references to legislation for each training point are particularly helpful if you are taking training in order to write a Lockout Tagout safety policy and program or an inspection schedule and list.
The delivery of this course would be most beneficial for supervisors and higher-level corporate employees who would not be directly completing Lockout Tagout safety procedures.
OSHA Education Center
$24.95
Website: https://www.oshaeducationcenter.com/compliance-training/lockout-tagout-certificate/
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General Overview
The course description is very scant without any references to the actual course content. It does address the need for Lockout/Tagout training and safe practices to reduce the probability of severe injury due to the stored electrical energy and stored hazardous energy in machines. The course indicates that it meets the OSHA requirements for training and is designed to be completed in 1 hour.
Hazwoper
$24.99
Website: https://hazwoper-osha.com/online-courses/osha-lockout-tagout-loto-training
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General Overview
The OSHA Lockout Tagout (LOTO) Training offered by HAZWOPER OSHA is an online course designed to educate workers on proper LOTO procedures. It is comprehensive, accessible anytime, and provides immediate certification upon completion.
The course is interactive and compatible with various devices, although it lacks a practical component and requires a stable internet connection. Despite the cost, it offers valuable training to enhance workplace safety.
National Safety Council
$29.95
Website: https://nsc.puresafety.com/Ondemand/Home
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General Overview
The National Safety Council provides multiple levels of Lockout Tagout safety training to suit the needs of employers. Lockout/Tagout awareness addresses the needs of affected employees and other employees. Authorized employees can take an electrical and Lockout/Tagout course, a construction Lockout/Tagout course, and an international Lockout/Tagout course. The National Safety Council is a nationwide association that also has membership benefits, including training benefits.
360 Training OSHA Campus
Starts at $19.00
Website: https://www.360training.com/osha-campus
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General Overview
The duration of the course is designed to be completed in 1 hour with a printable certificate available once it is complete. This is a good option to use for employees and employers who are looking for an independently taken course with a Learning Management System delivery.
360 Training provides three different training levels to address the three different training levels required for authorized employees, affected employees, and other employees.
E-Training
$20.00
Website: https://etraintoday.com/course-catalog/osha-training/lockout-tagout/
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General Overview
The Lockout/Tagout course offered by E-Training is designed to be 1 hour in length. It is standard 26 CFR 1910.147 approved including the steps to be taken when there is a possibility of the unexpected release of hazardous energy after Lockout/Tagout procedures have been initiated.
The website is streamlined and easy to use, and they provide mobile training options for ease of delivery in all situations. Employee course tracking is a great value add-on within the price of the course.
OSHAcademy
Free course, certificates provided starting at $20.99
Website: https://www.oshacademy.com/courses/training/710-energy-control-program-lockout-tagout/710.php
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General Overview
OSHAcademy course format, delivery, and certificate options provide a very flexible solution for many employers. While the provided course online may not be ideal for employees classified as affected and other employees due to the 6-hour length, it does leave the option to have a company member become a trainer within the company. The trainer can then provide the Lockout/Tagout training to employees as all the course materials are provided free of charge allowing a trainer to teach a Lockout/Tagout course in-house.
The greater range of information and training is ideal for authorized employees, management, and trainers. The course identifies the target audience as supervisors, managers, trainers, and employees.
Hardhat Training
$29.00
Website: https://hardhattraining.com/safety-training/lockout-tagout-online-training/
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General Overview
Hardhat Training has a comprehensive information page providing excellent information in order for employers and/or trainees to understand the course they are about to take. Hardhat Training indicates the Lockout/Tagout course should take approximately 1 hour, however, in the FAQ area it indicates that the average employee requires 2 – 2.5 hours to complete.
The biggest criticism of the course would be the two different course lengths indicated, however, if the course is more comprehensive due to the extended course length then the higher price per trainee may be justified.
The option to provide a group training and have every employee Lockout/Tagout compliant once the on-the-job training is complete is also beneficial. Even though the course description does not reference standard 26 CFR 1910.147 Hardhat Lockout/Tagout does have endorsement from multiple compliance partners.
All the lock out tag out safety training listed are comprehensive quality options. Any criticisms are outweighed by their positive characteristics, otherwise, the course wouldn’t have made the list. We feel this is the best summary and overview we can provide with the information at our disposal, but we’ll continue to make any updates as things evolve.
It is important to remember that the online Lockout Tagout safety course is only one part of the required workplace training, and further on-the-job training provided by the employer is required in addition to a course certificate in many instances.
FAQs on Lock Out Tag Out Safety Training
Does OSHA require LOTO training?
Yes, OSHA requires Lockout Tagout (LOTO) training for all authorized and affected employees. Authorized employees perform maintenance or service on equipment and are responsible for locking and tagging it out. Affected employees work near the equipment and need to understand the lockout/tagout procedures to ensure they don't interfere with the equipment while it is locked out.
How long is LOTO training good for?
LOTO training does not have a specific expiration date, but retraining is required whenever there is a change in job assignments, procedures, equipment, or if an employee is observed not following the procedures properly. It is recommended to refresh the training at least once every three years.
What are the 5 steps of LOTO?
The five steps of Lockout Tagout are:
- Prepare for shutdown.
- Shut down the machine or equipment.
- Isolate the machine or equipment from its energy source(s).
- Apply the lockout or tagout device(s).
- Release any stored energy and verify the isolation of the machine.
How to get LOTO certification?
LOTO certification is obtained by completing a lockout tagout safety training course that covers all necessary procedures and compliance standards. The course can be completed online or in-person, and a certification is provided upon successful completion of the training and any required assessments.
How often is LOTO training required?
OSHA requires initial LOTO training for all employees who will be involved in lockout/tagout procedures. Retraining is required whenever there is a change in job assignments, new equipment or processes are introduced, or if an employee demonstrates inadequate knowledge or compliance with LOTO procedures. It is generally recommended to conduct refresher training at least every three years.