LOTO vs. LOTOTO: What's the Difference and Why it Matters
We sell lots of LOTO kit. That stands for Lock Out, Tag Out. It is the essential process you follow to safely isolate machinery before maintenance.
But the best practice has changed. It is now called LOTOTO.
What does the extra 'TO' mean?
It means Try Out.
Here is how they work:
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LOTO (Lock Out, Tag Out): You shut down the machine, isolate the power, and put a lock and tag on it. You assume the machine is safe.
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LOTOTO (Lock Out, Tag Out, Try Out): You do everything above. Then you formally try to switch the machine back on.
That last step is crucial. Why? Because sometimes:
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The machine was not fully isolated.
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The isolation switch is broken.
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Residual energy is still held in the system (like pressure or stored heat).
Trying to switch it on proves the isolation worked. If the machine does not start, you know it is safe to work on. If it does start, you have just stopped a serious accident.
Why the 'Try Out' Must Be Documented
The difference between LOTO and LOTOTO is literally the difference between an assumption and proof. Accidents during maintenance often happen when unexpected energy is released. This is called unexpected start-up or re-energisation.
In the UK, the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 (PUWER) requires that machinery undergoing maintenance is isolated from all energy sources. The "Try Out" step is the most effective way to provide the necessary evidence that you have met this safety obligation.
This is where documentation becomes vital. You need a system that ensures the 'Try Out' step is: 1) Completed, and 2) Formally recorded before work begins.
🛡️ Secure Your LOTOTO Process with SG World Compliance Tools
We supply the essential components needed to guarantee the LOTOTO procedure is followed correctly every single time. We make sure our full offering supports this complete LOTOTO process, because consistency and accountability are the only things that matter in safety.
Our essential Lock Out Tag Out offering ensures you have everything needed to complete the full Try Out verification and maintain high standards:
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Documentation and Accountability (Registers & Certificates): The 'Try Out' step must be formally recorded. Our LOTO Register and Isolation Certificates integrate this crucial verification check, providing a clear audit trail and ensuring the job is correctly signed off.
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Physical Security (Locks & Hasps): We supply the Lock Out Tag Out Steel Padlock and Hasp Kits that are necessary to physically isolate the energy source. These products are a vital component for ensuring the energy cannot be re-applied before the 'Try Out' verification.
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Compliance & Visibility (Signage & Bundles): Our Magnetic Signage provides clear, high-visibility warnings across your site, reinforcing the need for the verified LOTOTO procedure. We also offer full Bundles to standardise your entire safety system.
By moving to the LOTOTO standard, you are not just changing a word; you are confirming a higher level of worker protection. Work with SG World to ensure your procedures meet today’s safety best practices through robust documentation and standardisation.
Ready to upgrade your LOTOTO documentation and safety provision?
