In workplace safety few systems are as universally critical as Lockout/Tagout (LOTO). No matter where you work, if some form of machinery is being used, LOTO is the foundation that prevents fatal incidents caused by accidental energy discharges.
But nowhere is this more essential than in confined space operations: environments where hazards are intensified, escape is limited, and even the smallest oversight can lead to catastrophic consequences.
What Is Lockout/Tagout (LOTO)?
LOTO is a safety procedure used to ensure that machinery or equipment is:
- Completely isolated from all energy sources
- Locked in the safe (off) position
- Tagged to indicate that work is in progress
- Verified to confirm zero energy before entry
Energy sources include:
- Electricity
- Pneumatic pressure
- Hydraulic lines
- Thermal/steam systems
- Stored mechanical energy (springs, rotating parts)
- Chemicals and process lines
LOTO ensures that machinery cannot start unexpectedly or release hazardous substances during maintenance or entry.
Why LOTO Matters Even More in Confined Spaces
Confined spaces such as tanks, pits, silos, pump rooms, drainage chambers, or ship ballast tanks come with unique hazards:
- Limited entry and exit
- Atmospheric instability
- Poor ventilation
- Tight, enclosed structures
- Accumulation of energy or pressure over time
- Inability to escape quickly during emergencies
A single lapse in energy control can turn an already hazardous environment into a deadly one.
A Real-World Example: Confined Space Line-Cleaning Incident
Consider a team entering a chemical storage tank for cleaning. Before entry, they tested the atmosphere, ventilated the area, and set up retrieval systems. However, an oversight occurred:
A process line leading into the tank still held residual pressure from upstream equipment.
Halfway through cleaning, pressure equalised, forcing vapour-laden residue back into the tank. The atmosphere inside quickly shifted from safe to hazardous.
This was a classic LOTO failure.
Had the team:
Closed the isolation valve
Locked it with a physical lock
Tagged it to show active work
Verified zero pressure by draining and testing the line
…the incident would never have happened.
This example underscores a vital truth:
LOTO is not optional: it is the last barrier between control and catastrophe.
Key Steps for Proper LOTO During Confined Space Work
- Identify all energy sources
And not just the obvious ones! Be sure to locate process piping, chemical lines, steam routes, and hidden mechanical systems.
- Isolate the equipment
Shut valves, disconnect pipes, open breakers, block mechanical movement.
- Apply lockout devices
Use the right device for the right infrastructure. Some examples include:
- Valve lockouts
- Electrical panel locks
- Pneumatic and hydraulic locks
- Chains and hasps
- Tag the lockout points
Tags should clearly indicate:
- Who applied the lock
- Date and time
- Nature of the work
- Expected completion time
- Verify zero energy
Ensure that no energy is left in the device by bleeding pressure or venting lines. Test and restart the machine to confirm its isolation from energy.
- Maintain zero energy in the machine during work
Supervisors must ensure no one removes a lock except for the authorised person.
- Restore power safely
Only after confirming all personnel are clear and work is completed.
The Impact of Proper LOTO: A Safer, More Predictable Workplace
Implementing LOTO properly leads to:
Fewer injuries
Reduced downtime
Preventable incidents avoided
More confident workers
Better maintenance efficiency
Compliance with international safety standards
Most importantly, LOTO saves lives.
At United Resources, we advocate for robust safety systems, training, and the right equipment to keep every worker protected.
Conclusion
As long as a worksite uses machines, risk cannot be completely eliminated. But they can be controlled thanks to LOTO.
Whether it’s isolating a tank line, securing an electrical panel, or locking a valve feeding into a manhole, each seemingly unnecessary step adds up to a safer operation overall.
