LOTO Colour Coding

What are LOTO Color Codes?

In order to standardize the determination of locks and tags according to their function & level of control, the LOTO (Lockout/Tagout) Color Coding method is implemented.

Lockout/tagout (LOTO) devices are an important OSHA-mandated safety precaution when repairing or maintaining hazardous equipment. 

One (or) more LOTO devices are get attached to the instrument will indicate that it has been de-energized using a prescribed technique, making it safe to work on or around. 

They will also prohibit anyone from re-energizing the equipment until the staff with the keys have completed their tasks and removed the lockout devices.

How to read LOTO Color Codes?

LOTO devices are easily identifiable because of their brightly colored (coloured) padlocks & tags. 

These may be red or orange, but at other facilities, they may also be blue, green, or another hue. 

The simple fact that they are so noticeable indicates that they are operating as planned. 

Their exceptional colors act as a visual alert that something significant is happening.

What does LOTO colors mean?

OSHA does not require particular colors for the LOTO equipment. However, the certain organisation supports a color-coding system for the accident-prevention tags that meets the standards for tags and signage.

Color codes vary by brand & area, but generally follow certain industry standards:

Red – Personal Lockout (Primary Lock)

Individuals who do maintenance or service use this product. This indicates that a worker has locked out the equipment for their personal safety.

Only the person who installed the lock can remove it.

It is for this reason why red is by probably the most popular color for LOTO devices, and the term “DANGER” should be included with red letters (or) outline. 

Additionally, organizations are free to build their very own one-of-a-kind color-coding schemes.

Yellow – Group Lockout

Yellow – Group Lockout are used for lockout procedures involving numerous workers.

This lock may be controlled by a group leader (or) a supervisor.

Blue –  Authorized Personnel Lock

Blue lock is typically assigned to maintenance (or) authorized people for specific duties. Used to service equipment without full isolation.

Used when equipment requires servicing yet does not necessitate complete separation.

Green – Equipment Lock (Departmental Lock)

Green locks are used to isolate equipment for extended durations, such as shutdowns or maintenance.

Typically managed by a certain department.

Orange – Testing or Commissioning Lock

Orange locks are used during equipment testing or troubleshooting.

This indicates that transient energization may occur.

Fluorescent Orange Lock

The purpose of fluorescent orange tags is to warn observers that equipment or machinery conveys a biological hazard danger. 

They indicate that anyone working nearby must take appropriate precautions in response to the hazards.

A neon orange sticker reads “Biological Hazard” and acts as a warning sign that the location is a bio hazard that personnel must be aware of.

Purple – Contractor Lock

SPurple lock are used by external contractors on-site.

Helps to distinguish between firm employees & third-party workers.

It uses the black/white “Out of Service” or “Do Not Operate” lock on retired or unsafe equipment.

Not for personal safety, but to identify unusable machinery.

Purpose of Color LOTO Tags

Colored LOTO tags serve several functions in the lockout tagout procedures. Here are the four key reasons why LOTO tags are utilized in lockout tagout procedures, as well as why a color system is important.

Identification

Colored LOTO tags assist identify specific units of the equipment that were actually shut out. 

This guarantees that workers can readily identify which machinery remains operational and which has been turned off & is secure to work on.

Communication

Lockout tagout tags identify who is currently working on machinery, the kind of work being done, & when it is scheduled to be finished. 

They also provide other essential details such as the current condition of equipment. 

This helps to avoid unintentionally energization & provides detailed guidance to all staff in the neighborhood.

Compliance

Because LOTO tags include so much vital information for lockout tagout operations, employing colored tags is frequently a statutory requirement.

LOTO tags assist organizations in meeting the safety criteria established by regulatory agencies such as the Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA) in the United States. 

In fact, OSHA requires the use of colored tags while performing procedures on any devices or machinery capable of producing or releasing hazardous energy.

Accountability

Tags frequently include information such as the name of the person who initiated the lockout, the date, and the cause for the lockout. 

This enables accountability and traceability throughout the lockout process.

What is the Color Code for Locks?

For safety padlocks & key tags, use standard colours such as red for “DANGER”, yellow for “CAUTION”, and orange for “WARNING”. Make sure there is a clear protocol for getting and utilizing the particular coloured locks & tags.

What are the OSHA colors for LOTO?

OSHA doesn’t require accurate color codes for the LOTO, however it suggests the following: 

• Orange: Warning Signal 
• Yellow: Safety Caution Signal
• Red: Danger Signal.