In electrical safety, what does the acronym "LOTO" stand for?

The acronym "LOTO" stands for "Lockout/Tagout," which is a critical safety procedure used in various industries, including electrical work. This protocol is designed to ensure that machinery or equipment is properly shut off and not able to be started up again before maintenance or servicing is completed.

The Lockout component involves physically locking the energy isolating devices to prevent unauthorized operation. The Tagout aspect involves placing a tag on the equipment to warn that it is not to be operated until the tags are removed following the completion of the work. This practice is essential for protecting workers from hazardous energy during maintenance activities, reducing the risk of accidental start-ups that could lead to severe injuries.

In the context of electrical safety for linemen, understanding and implementing LOTO procedures is crucial for ensuring a safe working environment, particularly when working on electrical systems where unforeseen energization can pose significant dangers.