Lockout/Tagout Documentation: Who Needs It and What Is It?
- kimgullion
- Jul 23
- 2 min read
Let’s set the scene: you’re working in a high-stakes environment full of machines that could go thud, zap, or kaboom if the wrong button is pressed at the wrong time.
Enter Lockout/Tagout (LOTO)—a safety protocol designed to prevent exactly that.
Who Needs Lockout/Tagout Documentation?
In short? Any company with machines, moving parts, or stored energy sources. That’s a lot of companies!
Industries That Need It:
Manufacturing:
Conveyor belts, robotic arms, and CNC machines.
Construction:
Heavy equipment and power tools galore.
Energy:
Electrical grids, turbines, and chemical plants.
Warehousing/Logistics:
Automated systems and forklifts need maintenance, too.
Utilities and Public Works:
From water treatment to electrical systems, workers face daily risks from stored energy.
Basically, if your team ever says, “Hold up, I need to turn this thing off before I climb inside,” you need a documented LOTO procedure.
But Why Not Just Handwrite It and Tape It to the Wall?
Great question! While we applaud the DIY spirit, LOTO documentation isn't the place to wing it.
Poor documentation can:
Lead to OSHA violations (which come with steep fines and even steeper paperwork)
Confuse new employees during onboarding
Create serious safety hazards
Result in lawsuits, downtime, or—worst of all—injuries
Who Writes Lockout/Tagout Documentation?
A technical writer. They’re trained professionals who:
✔️ Interview your maintenance and safety teams
✔️ Understand compliance standards (like OSHA 1910.147)
✔️ Create clear, step-by-step instructions with visual diagrams
✔️ Format documentation to be accessible, searchable, and printable
✔️ Keep it updated as your equipment or processes change
They take your brain-dump of “Don’t touch that switch unless you want to meet your maker” and turn it into a safe, standardized, sound procedure.
What Does a Great Lockout/Tagout Document Include?
Equipment name and location
Type and source of hazardous energy
Step-by-step shutdown and isolation procedures
Lockout device types and tag placement
Verification steps
Re-energizing instructions
Diagrams or photos
Who to contact if something goes sideways
It’s not just a checklist—it’s a life-saving roadmap.
Real Talk: You Can’t Automate Safety
Yes, AI and automation are everywhere. But when it comes to safety documentation, nothing beats the human touch of a skilled technical writer who knows how to blend precision with clarity.
A good LOTO document says:
👉 “Here’s what to do.”
👉 “Here’s how to do it.”
👉 “And here’s what not to do if you value your eyebrows.”
If your business involves machines, moving parts, or stored energy, LOTO documentation is essential. And a technical writer is the person who makes sure it’s not just written, but written right.
At Writer Resource, we know how to turn complicated safety protocols into clean, compliant, and understandable documents that keep your team safe and OSHA smiling 😊.
Want to lock down (pun intended) your safety procedures? Let’s talk.
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