What is the first step in the Lockout Tagout (LOTO) procedure?

• A. Notify Employees
• B. Shut Down Equipment Properly
• C. Disconnect all primary energy sources
• D. Address all secondary sources

Answer: (A)

Notifying affected personnel first ensures everyone who could be harmed by the equipment knows that maintenance is about to occur and that a lockout will be used. This communication prevents someone from accidentally starting the machine or bypassing the control measures while work is being done, creating a safe buffer before any physical actions are taken.

After that heads-up, the proper sequence proceeds with shutting down the equipment and then isolating and locking out the energy sources. The act of notifying is the critical initial step because it coordinates safety, alerts others to the hazard, and sets the stage for the actual energy control actions to follow.