One per machine
Build a procedure for each machine, equipment item or defined system with its own energy sources.
Free LOTO template · Word
Lockout tagout
procedure template
A free, OSHA-aligned, equipment-specific procedure. An editable Word document for customising procedure text, headers and approvals.
Free. Editable Word document.
- OSHA-aligned to 29 CFR 1910.147
- Equipment-specific. One per machine
- Energy isolation, verification & release
- Free editable Word document
Inside the template
Use the Word version when you need to adapt the procedure wording for a specific machine or system. Build one per machine, equipment item or defined system.
Cover page · 1 / 6
What's inside
Everything the procedure needs, in one editable document.
Use Word when the value is in editable wording: procedure text, role definitions, headers and approvals for a specific machine.
- Instructions for use, with a table of which part is completed when, and by whom
- Document control: equipment & asset ID, owner, approver, review frequency, revision
- Roles & responsibilities across before, during and after the lockout
- Energy isolation table: one step per source, with device, action, stored energy and verification
- Verification checklist to confirm zero energy before work begins
- Field execution record, group LOTO sign-on, periodic review and a glossary
Background
What is a lockout/tagout procedure?
A lockout/tagout (LOTO) procedure is a documented, equipment-specific method for isolating hazardous energy before service or maintenance. It identifies every energy source on a machine, the device used to isolate each one, and the steps to verify the machine is at zero energy before anyone starts work.
Under OSHA 29 CFR 1910.147, procedures are expected to be specific to the equipment. A generic, one-size-fits-all document is a common audit finding. The Word version gives you an editable structure to build one procedure per machine, adapt the wording to your site, and keep it in your document control system.
Teams that maintain dozens of Word procedures usually reach the point where a digital LOTO platform is easier to keep current than a folder of documents.
Get it right
LOTO procedure best practices
A template is a starting point, not a finished energy-control program. To keep it effective:
Make it equipment-specific
Generic procedures fail audits. Edit the wording to list the actual energy sources and isolation points for the machine.
Keep procedures current
Update the document whenever the equipment, energy sources or process change, not just at the annual review, and bump the revision number.
Verify zero energy every time
Test the start controls and check for stored or residual energy before work begins, not just once.
Train and inspect
Authorized-employee training and a periodic inspection at least annually are required for compliance.
When to use it
When to use this template
Planned shutdowns
Coordinate the many isolations of a scheduled shutdown, turnaround or major maintenance event.
Group LOTO
Coordinate multiple authorized employees working under one isolation with a sign-on record.
Periodic review
Re-verify procedures at least annually or whenever the equipment or process changes.
FAQs
Questions about this template
Yes. The Word version is an editable document. It is best when you want to customise procedure wording, add headers and branding, or write narrative steps for a specific machine.
It is OSHA-aligned and based on 29 CFR 1910.147, but no document is compliant on its own. Compliance depends on accurate procedures, trained employees, periodic inspection and a full energy-control program.
Yes. The same procedure is available as an editable Excel spreadsheet and a print-ready PDF. The Word version is the one to use when the wording itself needs editing.
This template is provided as general guidance. Site-specific procedures and the requirements of the authority having jurisdiction, insurer and other applicable authorities take precedence. Have a competent person review and adapt the template before use. Confirm citations against the standard editions your site holds. This is safety information, not legal advice.
More resources
The same procedure, other formats
Pick the format that fits your workflow, plus a free checklist to see how audit-ready you already are.
PDF
Lockout Tagout Procedure Template
A printable, field-ready procedure you can issue as-is, one per machine.
View template ExcelLockout Tagout Procedure Template (Excel)
Structured fields and checklists you can duplicate per machine.
View template ChecklistLOTO Audit Readiness Checklist
Six evidence controls to walk one machine against, before an auditor does.
Get the checklistWhen paper stops being enough
See your lockout tagout process in Zentri.
We'll show you how Zentri handles procedures, isolations, roles and approvals. Then we'll talk through how it would run at your facility.