The job responsibilities of a supervisor are critical when it comes to the enforcement of Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) procedures. Here we will outline some of the main responsibilities of the supervisor regarding lockout/tagout. 
- Create Equipment-Specific LOTO Procedures: This is a big component of LOTO safety. The lockout/tagout plan created by the supervisor must follow all OSHA-specific guidelines and still be specific to the types of equipment overseen. All components of the hazardous equipment should be identified and considered in the creation of lockout/tagout procedures.
- Ensure Employee Training: A supervisor must make certain that all affected employees (employees who work with the equipment, but do not service the equipment) understand the purpose and are up to date on all LOTO safety guidelines and procedures. Special training classes or demonstrations should be provided to make sure all employees understand appropriate LOTO procedures.
- Maintain a List of Authorized Employees: There are only a certain number of employees who elicit the special training required to be considered an authorized employee. Authorized employees are the people who have gone through extensive safety training to understand how to service hazardous equipment and to understand the specific hazards involved during the repair and maintenance processes.
- Issue LOTO Devices: Each affected employee should be issued a standardized lock to be used on equipment during situations involving LOTO. It is the supervisor’s job to issue the locks and to make sure that each affected employee receives a lock. Locks should be standardized in color, shape, and size so they are quickly recognizable during times of lockout/tagout.
- Provide LOTO Guidelines Upon Request: If any employee requests a copy of the current LOTO procedures in place, it is the job of the supervisor to provide that material. Each affected employee has the right to know and understand the LOTO procedures in place and how they will provide protection to themselves and to other employees as well.
Supervisors carry a lot of responsibility in general, and those involved with industrial equipment, who are responsible for the safety of others, carry significantly more. Be sure to download our full LOTO guide for more resources and check out our full suite of LOTO products designed for safety from the ground up once you need to purchase or refill any of your LOTO supplies.