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• Red Hatting – A committee-level action marking a piece of equipment as unsafe or not available for use. This does not physically isolate power but serves as a visible marker to members indicating that the equipment is unavailable to use until repaired or the issues are addressed.

• Lockout – Physically securing the energy source (e.g., electrical plug, breaker, valve) using a lock so the equipment cannot be operated.

• Tagout – Applying a visible tag (or equivalent notice) indicating that the equipment is locked out or unavailable for use.

• Testout – Testing the equipment to ensure that the energy source is isolated.

• Logistics Team – The group responsible for facilities management and lock inventory.

• Committee – The equipment-owning or responsible group within the makerspace.

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• All lockout/tagout actions (whether by committee or Logistics) must be logged in the makerspace’s facilities tracking system (or logbook), including:

  • Equipment name and location

  • Reason for lockout/tagout

  • Date/time applied

  • Person/committee responsible

  • Clearance details when removed

6. Lockout / Tagout / Testout Procedure (LOTOTO)

When equipment is locked out due to unsafe conditions, malfunction, maintenance, or evaluation, the following procedure must be followed to ensure hazardous energy is properly isolated and verified.

6.1 Preparation

Before applying a lockout:

• Identify all energy sources associated with the equipment (electrical, mechanical, pneumatic, hydraulic, stored energy, etc.).

• Notify any members and the committee chair that the equipment is being removed from service by placing a red hat on the device and posting a message on Talk that the equipment is down.

• Determine whether red hatting alone is sufficient or if full lockout is required.

  • If there is any risk of unexpected energization, a lockout must be used.

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6.2 Equipment Shutdown

• Power down the equipment using normal operating controls (e.g., power switch, stop button).

• Allow all moving parts to come to a complete stop.

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6.3 Energy Isolation (Lockout)

• Physically isolate the equipment from its energy source(s), including but not limited to:

  • Unplugging electrical cords

  • Opening breakers or disconnects

  • Closing valves

• Apply an approved lock to the energy-isolating device.

• Attach a tag indicating:

  • Equipment is locked out

  • Reason for lockout

  • Date/time applied

  • Responsible person or committee

Zip ties may only be used as a temporary emergency measure and must be replaced with a proper lock as soon as practicable.

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6.4 Dissipation of Stored Energy

• Release or secure any stored or residual energy, such as:

  • Bleeding pneumatic or hydraulic pressure

  • Discharging capacitors

  • Blocking or securing mechanical components

• Verify that the equipment is in a zero-energy state.

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6.5 Testout (Verification)

Before any maintenance, repair, or return to service:

• Attempt to start or operate the equipment using normal controls.

• Confirm that:

  • The equipment does not energize

  • No motion or activation occurs

• Return controls to the “off” or neutral position after testing.

This step is mandatory. Lockout is not considered complete until testout has been performed.

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6.6 Work or Evaluation

• Perform maintenance, repair, or evaluation only after successful testout.

• Locks and tags must remain in place for the entire duration of work.

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6.7 Return to Service

Before removing a lockout/tagout:

• Ensure all tools, parts, and materials are removed.

• Verify that guards, covers, and safety devices are properly reinstalled.

• Confirm the area is clear of personnel.

• Notify affected members that the equipment is being returned to service.

• Remove the lock and tag according to the authority rules in Sections 2 and 3.

• Restore energy and test normal operation.

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6.8 Documentation

• All LOTOTO actions must be documented per Section 5, including confirmation that testout was performed.

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Enforcement

Failure to comply with this policy may result in disciplinary action, up to and including an immediate suspension of makerspace privileges, up to permanent expulsion. Lockout/tagout is a core safety measure, and all members are expected to respect and uphold it.

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