Regulations and criteria relating to LOTO devices

Key guidelines and standards:

• Directive 89/655/EEC (Use of work equipment): This directive defines the minimum safety and health requirements for the use of work equipment. Point 2.14 states that all equipment must be fitted with clearly visible devices to isolate it from all energy sources. This is the basis of LOTO procedures.
• Directive 2009/104/EC (Amendment of Directive 89/655/EEC): This directive clarifies requirements regarding the use of work equipment, including the necessity of disconnecting energy sources and preventing accidental restart.
• Standard EN 1037:1995+A1:2008 (Safety of machinery. Prevention of unexpected start-up): This standard specifies in detail the measures for the isolation of energy supply to machinery and energy dissipation to prevent the re-energization of hazardous equipment. This standard records the safety measures aimed at preventing unexpected (unintended) start-up, thereby enabling safe intervention by the operator in the hazardous area.
• Standard EN ISO 12100:2010 (Safety of machinery. General principles for design. Risk assessment and risk reduction): This standard formulates general principles for the safe design of machinery, including hazard identification and the application of risk reduction measures. LOTO procedures form an important part of risk reduction.
• Decree 10/2016. (IV. 5.) NGM (On the minimum level of safety and health requirements for work equipment and its use): The decree provides a general framework for the safe use of work equipment and also touches upon LOTO procedures by prescribing requirements for the isolation of hazardous energies and safe working conditions.
• ISO 14118:2017 (Safety of machinery — Prevention of unexpected start-up): A safety standard that formulates requirements regarding the design and operation of machinery. The goal of the standard is to minimize the risk of accidents resulting from unexpected start-up.

Summary of requirements for LOTO devices:

Based on the above guidelines and standards, the most important requirements for LOTO devices are as follows:

• Reliability and appropriate material use: The devices must operate reliably. They must withstand environmental effects occurring during their application (e.g., temperature, humidity, corrosion) and must also take into account the specific environmental conditions (e.g., use of electrically insulating materials for electrical equipment).
• Durability: The devices must be durable. They must also be resistant to mechanical stress.
• Clear identification: The devices must be clearly identified (e.g., with a label, inscription) so that it is clear which equipment they belong to.
• Prevention of unauthorized access: The applied lockout devices – padlocks – must have unique keying to prevent unauthorized access. It is also possible to use master key multi-level systems, but the rules for this must be clearly recorded.
• Compliance with standards: The devices must comply with the relevant European standards (e.g., EN 1037, EN ISO 12100).

Important considerations:

• Risk assessment: To select the appropriate LOTO devices, it is essential to perform a risk assessment that takes into account the specific workplace conditions and the type of machinery/equipment.
• Development of procedures: LOTO devices alone are not sufficient. Detailed LOTO procedures must be developed that define the steps of lockout/tagout, the responsible persons, and the verification processes.
• Education and training: Employees must be properly trained on LOTO procedures and the use of the devices.

Summary:

Although there is no separate EU directive specifically for LOTO devices, existing directives (e.g., 89/655/EEC) and standards (e.g., EN 1037, EN ISO 12100) impose clear requirements to guarantee the safety of employees. Selecting the appropriate LOTO devices, developing detailed procedures, and providing proper training to employees are essential for implementing an effective LOTO program. You can find further useful information about LOTO devices and procedures on our company's website.
 
It is important to note that the information above is of a general nature. In specific cases, it is worth consulting a professional to select the appropriate LOTO solution and ensure legal compliance.