Introduction:
Lockouts and Tagouts (LOTO) procedures are critical for ensuring the safety of workers performing maintenance and servicing of machinery. The development of numerous industries led to the advancement of technology and machinery that require specialized maintenance.
Many serious accidents occurred by the release of hazardous energy from machines. To prevent the harmfulness towards the life of employees and incharge of maintenance of machinery LOTO system software evolved to ensure the health and safety of workers.
What is LOCKOUTS and TAGOUTS ?
LOTO system software refers to ensuring safety practices and procedures for handling hazardous machines and equipment to properly shut off and not be able to release dangerous energy suddenly during maintenance activity.
Lockout refers to locking out the equipment to secure with a lock that prohibits energy release. Equipment lock out is used to prevent the unexpected energizing of hazardous equipment and machinery used by untrained workers. So that trained workers are responsible to operate.
Energy sources that should be locked out are:
- Mechanical
- Electrical
- Hydraulic
- Chemical
- Radiation
- Pneumatic
Tagout refers to warning tags that suggest switching on or powering the equipment. Tagout is only used with conjunction of lockout. Equipment tagout are the visible tags attached to switches to warn people not to turn it on unless the locking out the equipment is done.
Equipment Tagout includes details of:
- Instructions
- Equipment maintenance purpose
- Warning tags
- Name of authorized worker
- timing
How Can Technology and Software enhance lockout and tagout?
Technology and software enhance Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) procedures by digitizing workflows, ensuring real-time access to up-to-date protocols, and automating the logging of activities for improved compliance and accountability. IoT sensors can monitor machinery and automatically trigger LOTO when unsafe conditions are detected, while integration with maintenance management systems streamlines processes. These technological advancements collectively improve the safety, efficiency, and reliability of LOTO procedures, reducing workplace accidents and ensuring regulatory compliance.
Essential features of LOTO system software:
- Real time dashboard: Real time status regarding Lockouts And Tagouts activities and real time alerts to concerned workers are notified if improper isolation of equipment while manipulation.
- IOT : IoT sensors can monitor machinery status and automatically trigger LOTO protocols when unsafe conditions are detected.
- Mobile Application :Accessible e-LOTO cards enable lockout/tagout information through mobile application which ensures critical data at fingertips.
- OSHA LOTO program :OSHA highlights that the procedure must describe what employees must know and do to properly control dangerous energy.
Benefits of enhancement of software and technology of lockout/tagout
- Improved Accuracy: By providing new tools, procedures and methods enhances Software and technology of LOTO system which leads to improving consistency and accuracy in lockout/tagout system practices.
- Digital devices: Digital lockout devices which are programmed and controlled by a tap that enhances the technology of LOTO. The devices can be connected to computer or mobile whereas the worker can lock and unlock equipment remotely.
- Increased Efficiency: Audit and track lockout/tagout usage becomes easier this helps in increased effectiveness and efficiency of LOTO system software .
- Tracking software: Through technology enhancement implementing the software that create, store, track lockout procedures and manages energy isolation and issuance of reports of usage on lockout systems which helps the managers to follow Lockout tagout procedures correctly.
- Real time Alerts: Real time notification and feedback will be provided to workers on any violation of lockout/tagout procedure
- Training to workers: Through modern software and technology the training to staff or worker can be given digitally about the procedure of lockout tagout system software.
Conclusion:
Implementing Lockouts Tagouts procedures is the way to prevent causes and ensure the safety of workers from dangerous energy sources. LOTO system software is an essential requirement for all industries hence procedures of LOTO should not be ignored.
