Every worker must apply their own personal lock. LOTO prevents unexpected energization of equipment — it kills. Never rely on someone else's lock to protect you.
Only the person who placed a lock may remove it. Removing another worker's lock is a serious violation — it puts their life at risk. If a lock must be removed in an emergency, follow your site's management override procedure.
After applying LOTO, always attempt to start the equipment to verify it is de-energized. Press buttons, try switches — confirm zero energy before touching any hazardous parts.
Turning off a machine is not enough. Bleed pressure, discharge capacitors, block suspended parts, release spring tension. All stored energy must be neutralized before work begins.