Fluid Locking

The term "Fluid Locking" in the context of "LOTO" refers to a specific safety procedure within the broader Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) protocols. Lockout/Tagout is a safety procedure used in industry and research settings to ensure that dangerous machines are properly shut off and not able to be started up again prior to the completion of maintenance or repair work. It requires that hazardous energy sources be "isolated and rendered inoperative" before any repair procedure is started.

Fluid locking as a part of LOTO might involve the control of hazardous energy related to fluids (liquids or gases) such as hydraulic pressure or pneumatic systems. This could involve actions like draining a hydraulic system, closing valves to prevent the flow of hazardous substances, or using blank flanges to physically block a pipe to prevent the flow of fluids. The goal is to ensure that there is no hazardous energy release that could cause injury or damage during maintenance activities.

In essence, fluid locking for LOTO purposes involves taking steps to ensure that all fluid energy sources are securely isolated and cannot accidentally be reintroduced into the system while maintenance is ongoing. This might involve locks and tags applied to valves, switches, or other control mechanisms to signal that they should not be operated until the lockout/tagout devices are removed by the person who applied them, indicating that the maintenance or repair work has been safely completed.