Servicing and maintaining machinery is an essential part of many operations, but it also presents significant safety risks when hazardous energy is not properly controlled. Unexpected equipment startup or the release of stored energy can result in serious injuries or fatalities. For July 2026, Continental Business Solutions’ Safety Services is focusing on Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) to help employers protect employees, reduce workplace hazards, and comply with OSHA safety regulations.
Why Lockout/Tagout Matters
Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) is a safety procedure used to control hazardous energy during equipment servicing and maintenance. It prevents the unexpected startup, movement, or release of stored energy that could injure employees working on machinery or equipment.
An effective Lockout/Tagout program protects workers from electrical, mechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic, chemical, thermal, and gravitational energy hazards. Proper implementation helps prevent amputations, burns, electrocution, crushing injuries, and fatalities while ensuring equipment remains in a safe, zero-energy state until maintenance is complete.
Lockout/Tagout procedures are required under OSHA’s Control of Hazardous Energy Standard (29 CFR 1910.147) and are a critical component of every workplace safety program.
Training Focus Areas
Our Lockout/Tagout Training provides employees and supervisors with the knowledge and practical procedures necessary to safely isolate hazardous energy during equipment servicing. Key training topics include:
Understanding Hazardous Energy
Participants learn how hazardous energy exists in many forms beyond electricity. Training covers the various energy sources that must be identified and controlled before servicing equipment.
Following Proper Lockout/Tagout Procedures
Employees receive step-by-step instruction on implementing a safe Lockout/Tagout process, including:
- Notify affected employees.
- Shut down equipment using normal operating procedures.
- Isolate all energy sources.
- Apply locks and tags to energy-isolating devices.
- Release or restrain all stored energy.
- Verify the equipment is in a zero-energy state before beginning work.
- Perform maintenance or servicing.
- Remove locks and tags and safely restore equipment to service once work is complete.
Following these procedures helps eliminate the risk of unexpected equipment activation during maintenance activities.
Identifying Common Energy Sources
Training emphasizes recognizing all hazardous energy sources that may be present, including:
- Electrical power
- Hydraulic pressure
- Pneumatic pressure
- Mechanical motion
- Steam and thermal energy
- Gravity (raised equipment or suspended loads)
- Stored energy in springs, capacitors, flywheels, and pressure vessels
Understanding every potential energy source is essential to achieving a true zero-energy state.
Employee and Authorized Worker Responsibilities
Employees learn their roles within the Lockout/Tagout program, including recognizing locked or tagged equipment, understanding who may perform Lockout/Tagout procedures, and never removing another employee’s lock or tag.
Authorized employees receive additional guidance on safely performing equipment isolation and verification procedures.
Regulatory Compliance
Our Lockout/Tagout Training helps employers meet important regulatory requirements, including:
- OSHA 29 CFR 1910.147 – The Control of Hazardous Energy (Lockout/Tagout)
- OSHA General Duty Clause – Providing a workplace free from recognized hazards
- Cal/OSHA Title 8 – Hazardous energy control requirements and safe work practices
By integrating OSHA requirements with practical workplace procedures, Continental Business Solutions helps employers improve safety performance, reduce injuries, and strengthen regulatory compliance.
Partner with Continental Business Solutions
Continental Business Solutions provides customized Lockout/Tagout training designed to meet the unique needs of your equipment, operations, and workforce. Our Safety Services team can assist with hazardous energy assessments, written Lockout/Tagout programs, employee training, authorized employee certification, and compliance support to help ensure maintenance activities are performed safely.
Protect your employees this July with comprehensive Lockout/Tagout training—an essential step toward preventing serious injuries, maintaining regulatory compliance, and building a stronger culture of workplace safety.
Continental Business Solutions – Business Solutions for Today’s Workforce.
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