Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) is a required safety process used to control hazardous energy during servicing, maintenance, repair, cleaning, and inspection of machines and equipment. In compliance with Cal/OSHA Title 8, Section 3314, LOTO helps prevent the unexpected startup or release of stored energy that could cause serious injury.
At UCSB, LOTO is implemented through a locally managed program supported by Environmental Health & Safety (EH&S). Departments and their supervisors are responsible for identifying equipment that requires LOTO, developing and maintaining equipment-specific procedures, and ensuring employees are trained and authorized to work on and/or near equipment that requires LOTO or stored energy that could cause injuries. EH&S provides oversight, technical guidance, training standards and resources, and program support.
This page outlines roles and responsibilities for the UCSB LOTO Program and links to detailed procedural guidance and resources.
Roles and Responsibilities
This program is implemented at the department level, with responsibilities shared among department management, supervisors, authorized and affected employees, and Environmental Health & Safety (EH&S). EH&S provides program standards, training guidance, and technical consultation, while departments are responsible for day-to-day implementation and compliance with Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) requirements.
This webpage defines departmental roles and responsibilities for implementing Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) at UCSB. It does not establish procedural requirements or training criteria. Detailed requirements for hazardous energy control are addressed in the UC Shop Safety Manual – Section 7 and the UCSB Addendum to Section 7.
The resources linked below are provided to support departmental implementation. Use of sample forms or records is optional, and equivalent documentation appropriate to the complexity and risk of the equipment involved is acceptable. Completion of LOTO documentation does not constitute training, qualification, or authorization.
Departments that own, operate, or maintain industrial shop equipment must:
- Designate department Lockout/Tagout Responsible Persons (RPs).
- Ensure LOTO RPs and supervisors receive required LOTO training.
- Identify equipment and systems that require LOTO due to hazardous energy.
- Ensure equipment-specific LOTO procedures are developed, documented, and maintained when required.
- Ensure equipment modifications or changes are evaluated for LOTO impacts.
- Provide and maintain approved LOTO devices (locks, tags, hasps, and hardware).
- Ensure departmental records for LOTO procedures, training, and audits are maintained.
Department-designated LOTO RPs and supervisors must:
- Implement and administer the departmental LOTO program.
- Maintain an inventory or listing of equipment requiring LOTO procedures.
- Ensure equipment-specific LOTO procedures are current and accessible to employees.
- Ensure authorized employees complete documented equipment-specific LOTO training and are formally authorized to conduct LOTO for equipment that they have proof of documented training for.
- Verify LOTO is used when required for servicing, maintenance, cleaning, and repair tasks.
- Ensure affected employees are notified when LOTO is applied or removed.
- Remove unsafe or non-compliant equipment from service until hazards are corrected.
- Monitor LOTO practices and correct unsafe behaviors.
- Communicate and enforce stop-work authority when hazardous energy control is inadequate.
- Participate in audits, inspections, and corrective actions related to LOTO.
- Coordinate with EH&S for technical support, alternative methods, or complex LOTO scenarios.
Authorized employees are those trained and approved to perform LOTO. Authorized employees must:
- Follow established, equipment-specific LOTO procedures.
- Apply personal locks and tags to all required energy-isolating devices.
- Verify a zero-energy state prior to beginning work.
- Ensure locks and tags clearly identify the individual performing the work.
- Maintain control of their keys at all times.
- Remove only their own locks and tags, except under approved emergency removal procedures.
- Stop work and notify supervision if unexpected energy sources or hazards are identified.
Affected employees are those who operate or work near equipment subject to LOTO. Affected employees must:
- Recognize and respect LOTO devices and procedures.
- Never attempt to start, operate, or energize locked or tagged equipment.
- Follow supervisor instructions related to equipment shutdowns and restarts.
The UCSB Office of Environmental Health & Safety (EH&S) will:
- Maintain and update the campus Lockout/Tagout Program to ensure it meets or exceeds regulatory requirements.
- Establish minimum program requirements, guidance, and standards.
- Provide LOTO training content, authorization criteria, and refresher guidance.
- Assist departments with hazard assessments and development of LOTO procedures.
- Support departments in evaluating alternative methods when traditional LOTO cannot be applied.
- Conduct program reviews, inspections, and audits as part of shop safety and compliance activities.
- Provide technical consultation and regulatory interpretation.
Contractors performing work on campus must:
- Comply with applicable Cal/OSHA and UCSB LOTO requirements.
- Coordinate LOTO activities with the owner department prior to starting work.
- Ensure their employees are trained and authorized under their employer’s LOTO program.
- Resolve any conflicts between contractor and campus LOTO procedures with the owner department and EH&S before work begins.
Departments should refer to the campus LOTO Program Links and the UC Shop Safety Manual for detailed procedural requirements, examples, and training resources. For assistance with developing or revising LOTO procedures, contact EH&S
For further information please contact the EH&S Industrial Safety Program at IS@eh&s.ucsb.edu.