Who can be an authorized employee in a Lockout/Tagout procedure?

An authorized employee in a Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) procedure must be designated by the employer to ensure safety during maintenance and servicing of equipment. This designation includes individuals who have received the necessary training and understand the LOTO procedures to effectively control hazardous energy during these work activities. The authorized employee is responsible for locking out or tagging out equipment, ensuring that it is in a safe state before any work is performed.

The significance of this designation lies in the specialized knowledge and skills required to implement lockout/tagout safely. By focusing on trained individuals designated by the employer, it emphasizes accountability and prepares workers to handle the specific risks associated with their tasks, fostering a safer working environment. Having only trained personnel manage the LOTO process helps prevent accidents and injuries that could arise from improper handling of hazardous equipment.