LOTO Training (Lock Out/Tag Out)
LOTO Training raises awareness of how to manage hazardous energy and prevent serious injuries caused by unexpected machinery start-up during maintenance and servicing.
This course supports compliance with health and safety laws such as the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 and PUWER 1998, minimises downtime, and promotes a strong culture of safety and accountability.
Delivered as interactive online training, the course provides practical knowledge that supports safe systems of work across a range of industries.
Want to find out more information on our LOTO Training (Lock Out/Tag Out)?
LOTO Training (Lock Out/Tag Out)
£30
Benefits of LOTO Training (Lock Out/Tag Out)
- Raises awareness of how to manage hazardous energy and prevent injuries from unexpected machinery start-up.
- Supports compliance with UK health and safety laws, including the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 and PUWER 1998.
- Minimises downtime and equipment damage by promoting safe, efficient maintenance procedures.
- Developed by health and safety professionals with extensive industry experience.
- Interactive, online training to keep participants engaged throughout.
- Multiple choice quizzes so participants can check their understanding as they go.
- Summaries at the end of each section to enhance understanding.
Course duration
LOTO Training takes approximately 1-2 hours to complete.
Course accreditations
Our accreditations mean you can be confident that we deliver high-quality, effective eLearning that forms part of a professional development programme.
We pride ourselves on our extensive certification and accreditation. We’re CPD Certified and this course is SCORM compliant which means it can be integrated as part of your existing LMS or used as part of our SHINE learning management system.
Learn more about our health and safety accreditations.
Who should take this course?
Lock out tag out online training is for those who work around machinery or equipment that could pose a risk if accidentally activated during maintenance, cleaning, or servicing. It is particularly relevant for maintenance staff, engineers and supervisors.
Assessment
At the end of lock out tag out safety training there are 10 multiple choice questions to answer, and the pass mark is 80%.
Certificate
If you complete LOTO Training on SHINE, you will receive a certificate on successful completion of the course which is downloadable as a PDF file.
Course aims
By the end of the LOTO Training, participants will:
- Understand what LOTO is, why it prevents injuries, and the legal responsibilities of employers and employees.
- Recognise hazardous energy sources, including electrical, mechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic, thermal, chemical, and gravity-related risks.
- Understand the key steps of LOTO, the use of appropriate equipment, and verification methods.
- Know how to comply with safe systems of work and maintain a strong LOTO safety culture.
- Be aware of complex LOTO scenarios including those involving group lockout procedures, multiple energy sources, and alternative control measures.
- Understand the risks of unexpected energy release, unauthorised lock removal, and emergency reactivation.
Start your learning adventure
Created by experts. IOSH Approved. CPD Certified. Our fire, health and safety courses support your compliance training needs. We offer flexible eLearning options. Buy individual courses now and start learning. Or simply call us to discuss group discounts and enterprise pricing options.
Buy now – individual course
- Fully interactive – online learning
- Certified training – created by experts
- Perfect for smaller businesses and sole traders starting out
Call us – volume discount
- Save money – volume discounts
- Control – central dashboard
- Reporting – monitor training progress
- Ideal for mid-sized SMEs needing to deploy training at scale
Call us – Enterprise pricing
- Bespoke – tailored to your needs
- Comprehensive – over 50 courses
- Support – 1-2-1 account management
- Perfect for larger businesses needing a wide variety of training
Course Overview
1. What is lock out/tag out?
An introduction to what LOTO means in the workplace and why it is used to isolate hazardous energy during maintenance and servicing.
Learners explore how locks and tags physically prevent the unexpected start-up of machinery.
2. Why is LOTO important?
A look at the dangers of not isolating energy sources and the types of serious injuries or fatalities that can occur.
3. Legal requirements
A look at the legislation relevant to LOTO, including the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974, the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989, PUWER 1998, and the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999.
Although LOTO is not named directly in law, learners understand how it supports legal compliance and helps businesses run more safely and efficiently.
4. Types of machinery and equipment that require LOTO
Covers the kinds of equipment where hazardous energy may be present, including machines powered by electricity, hydraulics, pneumatics, steam, chemicals or gravity.
Real-world examples show where and how LOTO should be applied.
5. When LOTO is required
Examples of situations where LOTO must be used, such as when cleaning, repairing, or adjusting machinery, removing guards, entering confined spaces, or managing stored energy. Explains the risks of failing to apply LOTO during these tasks.
6. When LOTO is not required
Situations where LOTO may not be necessary if alternative safe systems are in place. Includes minor adjustments on plug-controlled equipment, low-voltage systems, or remote software tasks, with a focus on when LOTO can be safely substituted.
7. Types of LOTO equipment
A breakdown of the main types of LOTO devices, including padlocks, tags, hasps, lockout boxes, value and plug lockouts, and devices for securing breakers, air lines, or complex control points.
8. LOTO equipment standards
Explores the key features that make LOTO devices safe and effective, including durability, standardisation, identifiability, and tamper resistance. Emphasises why quality equipment is essential.
9. LOTO stations and organisation
Looking at how to set up and maintain a LOTO station in the workplace. Covers centralised storage, colour-coded equipment, personal lockout kits, logbooks, and regular equipment checks.
10. Hazards of not following LOTO
Details the types of incidents that can happen when LOTO is not followed correctly, including electric shock, crushing, fluid injection injuries, burns, chemical exposure, and falling loads.
11. Additional LOTO risks
Explores risks like poor communication, failure to verify de-energisation, incorrect equipment use, and unauthorised lock removal. Highlights how these issues can undermine safety.
12. Case studies
Real examples of accidents where LOTO was not used or applied properly. Includes analysis of what went wrong and how injuries could have been avoided with correct procedures and training.
13. Risk assessment and LOTO
Explains the five steps of a risk assessment focused on hazardous energy, from identifying hazards to reviewing control measures.
Learners understand how to assess LOTO risks for different equipment.
14. Who should carry out a LOTO risk assessment?
Covers the role of competent persons in the risk assessment process and why input from safety officers, engineers and maintenance staff is essential.
15. Safe systems of work
Looks at the importance of standardised, written LOTO procedures in maintaining safety. Emphasises the need for training, supervision, equipment verification and role clarity.
16. The seven steps of LOTO
A step-by-step guide to carrying out a safe lockout procedure, from preparation and shutdown to verification and communication during maintenance.
17. Removing LOTO devices
The steps required to safely remove LOTO devices and restore energy once maintenance is complete, including final checks, reactivation and communication with staff.
18. Permit-to-work systems
Explains when a permit-to-work may be needed alongside LOTO, and what a permit should include. Highlights how permits enhance safety for complex or high-risk tasks.
19. Group lockout procedures
Describes how group lockout boxes work and when they are needed. Emphasises the importance of ensuring no one can remove isolation until all individuals have completed their tasks.
20. Roles and responsibilities
Explores the responsibilities of authorised workers, affected workers and supervisors. Clarifies who should apply and remove devices and who ensures procedures are followed.
21. LOTO audits and inspections
Covers the purpose of routine checks, formal audits and post-incident reviews. Learners discover how to maintain high standards and continuously improve procedures.
22. Managing multiple energy sources
A guide to isolating equipment that uses more than one type of energy. Explains how to identify and secure each source and the order in which energy should be restored.
23. Managing unauthorised LOTO removal
Explains how to respond if a lock or tag is removed without authorisation, including immediate action, investigation, retraining and when disciplinary measures may apply.
24. Emergency reactivation
Looks at situations where energy must be restored quickly and safely due to emergencies. Learners are shown how to follow approved procedures and document emergency events.
25. LOTO training and refresher requirements
Details what workers need to know before carrying out LOTO, the importance of ongoing training, and when refresher sessions should take place.
26. Creating a strong LOTO culture
Focuses on the value of leadership, regular briefings, open reporting, and supervisor accountability in building a culture where LOTO is a core part of safety.
Frequently asked questions
Will the training meet our legal duty to provide information and instruction?
LOTO Training supports compliance with UK regulations by raising awareness of legal responsibilities and safe working practices around hazardous energy.
Is this course suitable for teams with different levels of experience?
Yes, the content is designed to be accessible for those new to LOTO, while still offering valuable insights for experienced workers who need a refresher.
Do I need to train staff who don’t physically lock out equipment?
Yes, even staff who don’t directly perform LOTO can benefit from understanding the process, especially if they work nearby or supervise those who do.
Can this course be used as part of our internal training programme?
Yes, the lock out & tag out course is suitable for integration into your existing training programme and can be delivered via our SHINE platform or as a SCORM file for your LMS.
Can I track employee progress and completion?
Yes, if delivered through SHINE or a compatible LMS, course progress and assessment results can be tracked for audit and compliance purposes.
Can this training be used across multiple sites or roles?
Yes, the course content is applicable across various roles and settings, including manufacturing, engineering, facilities management, and construction.
How is it delivered?
The LOTO Training (Lock Out/Tag Out) course is delivered online or through a computer network to each trainee at their desktop, laptop or mobile device.
We can also provide the course to be integrated into a SCORM compliant LMS.
Training can be completed at the employee’s own pace by “bookmarking” and recording progress and returning to the training later.
SHINE – compliance record keeping
The Praxis42 Digital Platform SHINE is our advanced eLearning management system and helps organisations deliver effective online learning for their employees.
A cost-effective tool for compliance record-keeping, SHINE allows you to view and manage employee training records easily. Individual training certificates can be printed as proof of compliance for audits or visits from enforcing agencies.
LOTO Training (Lock Out/Tag Out) – Download course information
