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Frequently asked questions

The basics of LOTO

What is LOTO?

LOTO (Lock-out/Tag-out) is a safety procedure used to ensure that dangerous equipment is properly shut off and cannot be started up again until maintenance or repair work is complete.
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LOTO requires hazardous energy sources to be "isolated and rendered inoperative" before work begins on equipment.Isolated power sources are then physically locked (via a lock or  any other lock-out device), and a tag is placed on the lock identifying the worker and the reason why the LOTO was placed on it.

Why use LOTO?

To prevent accidental equipment startup while it is in a hazardous state or while a worker is in direct contact with it.
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If LOTO practices are not observed, employees can be seriously injured or even killed by the machinery/equipment they are working on or around.

That is why GE Vernova has authorized Individuals at site who are trained and qualified to perform LOTO on equipment using equipment specific LOTO procedures.

LOTO is used across industries as a safe method of working on hazardous equipment and is mandated by law in some countries.

What is the LOTO procedure?

On the surface, the procedure for performing LOTO as part of an outage appears to be consistent across various heavy industries.
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GE Vernova has a documented LOTO procedure that explains the implementation of the following 7 mandatory steps:

1.      Preparation for shutdown

2.      Shutdown of machine, equipment, processes, and circuits

3.      Isolation of machine, equipment, processes, and circuits

4.      Apply LOTO lock and device

5.      Controlling stored energy

6.      Verification of absence of energy

7.      Return to service

Once work is complete, repeat the process in reverse order to inspect that the equipment is operationally intact, all personnel are in safe location and remove the LOTO locking devices, before returning the equipment to service.

Why is the LOTO process complex?

The LOTO process is highly customer-centric, differing from operator to operator and even plant to plant. There always needs to be discussion and agreement about which areas should or shouldn’t be locked out.
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And during the outage, a transparent and direct communication is fundamental between customer-operator-contractor for a successful LOTO process.

Field engineers (FEs) create LOTO plans, and these plans often change when FEs either retire or otherwise leave their respective companies. And while some points will consistently be locked out, variations in plant equipment can create complexity over which LOTO groupings are even necessary.

How can we help?

GE Vernova collaborates with you in your preplanning meetings to help you establish your LOTO goals. Then we help your team implement and follow a logical LOTO sequence.
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With us as part of your outage team, you’ll be able to:

  • Lower safety risk to employees
  • Minimize schedule delays
  • More accurately predict outage duration (LOTO-to-LOTO window)
  • Reduce frustration/confusion/conflict between plant and outage team (less stress)
  • Be confident it’s being done right

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Want to add GE Vernova to your outage team?

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