What does LOTO refer to in maintenance procedures?

Lock Out Tag Out (LOTO) is a vital safety procedure used in maintenance and servicing of machinery and equipment. It ensures that machines are properly shut down and unable to be started up again prior to the completion of maintenance or servicing work. The process involves locking the energy-isolating devices in a safe position and tagging them with labels that clearly inform workers of the lockout status.

This procedure is critical in preventing accidental machine start-up, which can lead to serious injuries or fatalities. Implementing LOTO involves understanding energy control programs and adhering to strict safety standards set by regulatory bodies. In an industrial or maintenance setting, following the LOTO protocol is essential for maintaining a safe work environment while performing tasks that could expose workers to hazardous energy sources, such as electrical, mechanical, hydraulic, or pneumatic energy.

The other options presented do not align with the widely recognized safety procedures within maintenance and are therefore not applicable in this context.