Lock-Out/Tag-Out
Lock-Out/Tag-Out Verification
In order to establish an Electrically Safe Work Condition, every airport must establish a Lock-Out/Tag-Out (LOTO) program for its airfield lighting. The following procedures are necessary to establish a LOTO program:
- Every employee that works with the lighting system must be trained in the LOTO procedures.
- Each employee working with the system must place his own personal lock on the circuit disconnecting means. A personal lock is one with its own single unique key that can only be opened by the owner of the lock. Common locks with multiple keys are not acceptable as a personal LOTO lock.
- No circuit should be considered locked-out until it is verified by attempting to energize the circuit by all means.
- Most airfield lights are off during daylight hours. Simply locking it out and testing with an ammeter during daylight hours will obviously show no energy present, so this method does not verify LOTO. A pilot using the radio lighting control, air traffic control, or another electrician could turn the lights on at any time, day or night. Turning all circuits on and verifying the lights you intend to work on are dead is the only sure way to verify proper LOTO.
- A LOTO log should be kept in the airfield lighting vault. Anyone involved in the LOTO should sign the logbook. This record can be used by other workers or operations to verify who is working on the circuit in the event the locks need to be removed.
- The airport’s LOTO program should be audited and reviewed at least annually.
