Who is permitted to remove a lockout/tagout device?

In a Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) procedure, only the employee who applied the lockout/tagout device is permitted to remove it. This practice is fundamental to ensuring safety during maintenance and servicing of equipment. The primary reason for this requirement is to maintain accountability and ensure that the individual who understands the specific dangers and the precautions that have been implemented is the one who is responsible for removing the safety device.

When a lockout/tagout device is applied, the worker is typically the only one who knows the specific circumstances under which it was applied, such as the reasons for machine shutdown and any potential hazards present. Therefore, allowing only that individual to remove the device minimizes risks associated with accidental energization or unexpected machine movement during maintenance work.

This process contributes to a culture of safety and helps prevent incidents that could arise from misunderstandings or miscommunication about the status of the machinery. Other personnel, such as management or safety individuals, while possibly qualified, do not have the firsthand knowledge of the situation, making it critical that the worker who applied the lock is the one to remove it.