This 12-page Lock Out Tag Out (LOTO) Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS) provides comprehensive guidance on isolating, locking, and tagging out energy sources to help ensure the safe inspection, servicing, and maintenance of machinery and equipment.
 
Developed by WHS compliance experts, this SWMS is pre-filled, ready to use, and aligned with Australian WHS legislation. It helps your business identify hazards, implement effective controls, and meet your WHS obligations across all Australian states and territories.
 
Delivered in a fully editable Microsoft Word format, the template makes it easy to customise with your company name, logo, site details, and project-specific requirements - ensuring a smooth integration into your safety management system.
 
Who This SWMS Is For
This SWMS is ideal for businesses and contractors involved in activities where machinery, plant, or equipment must be isolated before inspection, servicing, or maintenance, including:
Electrical contractors and service technicians
Manufacturing, processing, and production facilities
Mining, oil, and gas operations
Mechanical, hydraulic, and pneumatic maintenance providers
Building and construction companies
Warehousing, logistics, and transport operators
Facility managers and maintenance teams
 
What This SWMS Covers
This SWMS includes detailed procedures, hazard controls, and step-by-step safety instructions for Lock Out Tag Out activities, including:
Planning and preparation
Conducting site-specific risk assessments and safety briefings
Ensuring personnel are trained and competent in LOTO procedures
Setting up clear communication channels between teams and supervisors
Identifying and controlling hazards
Recognising changing site conditions or unexpected hazards
Maintaining signage, barriers, and exclusion zones
Reporting and managing new or unforeseen risks
Pre-start inspections
Checking lockout devices, isolation padlocks, and safety tags
Ensuring test equipment is functional and calibrated
Isolating and locking out energy sources
Shutting down machinery and equipment safely
Identifying all energy sources and isolation points
Applying locks, hasps, and tags for secure isolation
Testing to confirm effective isolation before starting work
Ensuring each worker attaches their own padlock when multiple personnel are involved
Releasing or isolating stored energy
Safely bleeding hydraulic, pneumatic, and gravity-loaded systems
Using lockout devices for hydraulic and pneumatic lines
Verifying zero-energy state prior to maintenance
Maintaining lockout/tagout integrity
Preventing unauthorised removal of locks and tags
Keeping an up-to-date lockout register
Displaying “Do Not Operate” signage
Completing work and restoring equipment
Ensuring proper sign-off before re-energising equipment
Removing all tools, barriers, and lockout devices
Conducting final inspections and housekeeping
Emergency response protocols
Managing electrocution risks and equipment failures
Activating emergency procedures and contacting first aid
Accessing LV rescue kits and firefighting equipment
 
What’s Included in Your Template
Step-by-step LOTO procedures and control measures
Risk assessment guidelines and risk rating calculator
Hazard identification and control measures
PPE requirements and usage instructions
Plant and equipment list
Relevant WHS legislation, codes of practice, and standards
Worker sign-off page for training and competency records
HRCW selection table 
 
 
This Lock Out Tag Out SWMS is an essential tool for helping maintain a safe work environment when servicing or maintaining equipment. Designed for fast editing and easy customisation, it integrates seamlessly into your safety management system.
 
Perfect for tenders, safety audits, and day-to-day operations, this template helps you save time, minimise risk, and stay compliant.
 
Get your Lock Out Tag Out SWMS today and start using it instantly!