Know Your Energy Sources: Critical Steps Before LOTO

Energy Control
English (Canada)

The Problem

Imagine diving into a pool without checking its depth—it might seem safe, but hidden dangers could prove fatal. The same applies when workers begin lockout/tagout (LOTO) procedures without fully identifying all energy sources. Hidden or incorrectly isolated energy can result in serious injuries or fatalities. Today, we’ll cover the critical steps for identifying and controlling all energy sources before beginning LOTO procedures.

Identify the Hazards

Electrical Energy Hazards:

  • Capacitors retaining residual electrical charge
  • Secondary or backup power supplies remaining energized
  • Stored energy in rectifiers or other components

Mechanical Energy Hazards:

  • Flywheels or cams continuing to move after shutdown
  • Tensioned springs releasing unexpectedly
  • Parts shifting and causing unintended movement

Pressure Systems Hazards:

  • Residual pressure trapped in valves and piping
  • Incorrect valve shutdown sequence causing retained energy
  • Incomplete bleeding of systems leading to sudden pressure release

Safety Practices and Preventative Measures

Review Written Procedures

  • Familiarize yourself with machine-specific procedures for isolating all energy sources.
  • Confirm the correct sequence for isolating and releasing energy.
  • Ensure clear testing procedures are documented and followed.

Verify Training

  • Only undertake LOTO if you’ve had formal training on the specific equipment.
  • Understand all energy sources and potential hazards.
  • Be confident with all isolation and verification techniques.

Conduct an Energy Assessment

  • Identify all energy types present—electrical, mechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic, etc.
  • Understand the magnitude of each source and how to isolate it.
  • Recognize hidden dangers such as stored energy or secondary feeds.

Test and Verify

  • After isolation, verify all energy has been controlled before commencing work.
  • Use appropriate testing methods to ensure zero energy remains in the system.

Real-Life Case or Scenario

Where possible, use an actual incident that you have experienced or been involved in.

On one site, a worker assumed a machine was de-energized after switching off the main power. However, a backup supply remained energized and caused unexpected movement of the equipment. The worker was severely injured. This incident could have been prevented with a complete energy assessment and verification process.

Employee Responsibilities

  • Understand all potential energy sources before starting LOTO.
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  • Always follow written LOTO procedures and confirm isolation is complete.
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  • Never begin work until all energy sources have been verified as controlled.
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  • Report any unclear or missing procedures to your supervisor.

Employer Responsibilities

  • Provide written LOTO procedures for all plant with multiple energy sources.
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  • Ensure workers are trained in recognizing and isolating various energy types.
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  • Supply appropriate tools and testing equipment.
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  • Maintain equipment and ensure compliance with applicable Canadian occupational health and safety guidelines.

    • Discussion & Questions

    • What hidden energy sources exist in our plant or equipment?
    • How do we verify complete isolation before work begins?
    • What challenges do we face when controlling multiple energy sources?
    • What improvements could be made to our LOTO procedures?

    Commitment/Action Plan

    Let’s commit to never starting LOTO until we’ve completed a thorough energy assessment and verification. Before every task, review the procedure, identify every energy source, and confirm full isolation.

    Wrap-Up

    Taking shortcuts with LOTO can lead to serious injury or worse. By understanding all energy sources, using correct isolation procedures, and verifying control, we can significantly reduce the risk of incidents. Thank you for committing to safe work practices and protecting yourself and your team.

    Standards Overview

    Under Canadian occupational health and safety guidance on energy isolation and lockout/tagout (LOTO), employers must:

    • Provide clear isolation procedures
    • Train workers on identifying and isolating all energy sources
    • Ensure verification processes are used before any maintenance or servicing
    • Maintain compliance with the Canada Labour Code and related provincial regulations

    Disclaimer

    “The information provided in this toolbox talk is intended for informational and educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional legal, safety, or regulatory advice. The content reflects general best practices and industry standards but may not be applicable to all workplace environments or jurisdictions.

    It is the responsibility of employers, supervisors, and workers to ensure compliance with applicable federal, provincial, and territorial laws, regulations, and standards, including but not limited to those set by the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS) and relevant provincial occupational health and safety authorities. Site App Pro, its affiliates, agents, or representatives—as well as the authors, presenters, and distributors of this toolbox talk—assume no liability for the use or application of the information provided.

    Participants are strongly encouraged to consult appropriate legal, safety, or regulatory professionals regarding specific workplace concerns or questions. Always adhere to your organisation’s policies and procedures for health and safety and hazard management.

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    Last Updated:
    July 4, 2025