Electrical lockout is an essential procedure for ensuring the safety of personnel during maintenance, inspection or repair work on electrical installations. Beyond the practical steps to be followed in the field, it is based on a formalised procedure that is essential for structuring, tracking and securing interventions.
This formalisation not only helps prevent accidents, but also ensures regulatory compliance and clarifies everyone’s responsibilities. In a context where legal requirements are becoming more stringent and the risks associated with electricity remain high, defining and applying a clear procedure is a necessity for all organisations.
What is an electrical lockout procedure?
The electrical lockout procedure is a document or set of documents that precisely describe how a lockout must be carried out on a given installation. It is not limited to the execution of technical steps (shutdown, separation, locking, VAT and earthing). The electrical lockout procedure also formalises the framework within which these steps must be applied.
It is an essential prevention tool. It ensures that each intervention is carried out according to clearly defined and validated rules. The procedure also formalises responsibilities: who does what, how, with what equipment and according to what checks. It therefore differs from simple practical application: it is the organisational and regulatory reference for all lockout procedures.
Regulatory and normative obligations
The drafting and implementation of a lockout procedure are subject to strict rules. French Standard NF C 18-510 defines the safety rules for operations on electrical structures and installations. In particular, it requires a lockout procedure to be carried out before any operation in the vicinity of or in contact with live parts.
From a legal standpoint, the french Labour Code requires employers to ensure the safety of workers in their workplace and to implement appropriate preventive measures. Failure to properly apply or formalise a lockout procedure exposes the company to penalties, or even civil or criminal liability in the event of an accident. Formalisation therefore becomes an obligation and not simply an organisational tool.
Contents of a standard electrical lockout procedure
An electrical lockout procedure must beclear, comprehensive and operational. It generally includes:
- General information: description of the facility concerned, numbering (if applicable), technical contact person, location.
- The list of cut-off devices and points affected by the lockout.
- Detailed steps, described precisely and tailored to the type of installation.
- Related documents: log sheets, authorisation forms, electrical diagrams, registers or job descriptions.
- A description of the safety equipment used: VAT (Voltage Absence Verification) devices, lockout padlocks, earthing and short-circuiting equipment to prevent induced voltages.
- Roles and responsibilities including electrical authorisations for:
- Lockout/Tagout officer: responsible for ensuring the safety of the installation.
- Authorised personnel: authorised to work on the installation after lockout.
- Works manager: supervises the work.
The procedure must also specify the rules for traceability, the means of control and the conditions for release. It serves as a reference document for both internal teams and external service providers.
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Implementation of an electrical lockout procedure in the field
The technical manager, QSE (Quality, Safety and Environment) manager or electricity network operator can generally draft a lockout procedure. Once approved, it must be made available to lockout officers and incorporated into internal operating procedures.
In the field, the lockout officer applies the procedure step by step, rigorously following the steps and completing the associated documents. A security manager can carry out checks, particularly in sensitive environments such as industry, data centres or distribution networks.
What are the advantages of a well-formalised electrical lockout procedure?
A well-designed lockout procedure offers numerous advantages. Above all, it reduces the risk of accidents by clarifying the steps to be followed and ensuring that safety measures are applied systematically.
It also improves traceability, which is a major advantage in the event of an audit, inspection or incident.
Formalisation also improves coordination between teams by clearly defining responsibilities. Finally, it saves time by facilitating the preparation and execution of interventions, while reducing the risk of errors.
The Altsis Pégase solution: digitalise and track your procedures
The Pégase software offered by Altsis enables electrical network managers and companies working in the electrical sector to digitalise the entire electrical lockout process. Thanks to a dedicated platform, teams can create, modify and distribute their procedures, while ensuring complete traceability for each intervention.
Data is centralised, forms are accessible in the field via a mobile application, and reports are automatically archived. This digitalisation facilitates regulatory compliance, enhances the safety of interventions, and improves coordination between departments.
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The electrical lockout/tagout procedure: an essential tool
The electrical lockout procedure is an essential tool for ensuring the safety of work operations and complying with regulatory requirements. Formalising this procedure guarantees clarity, risk prevention and traceability. For more information on this topic, see also the articles Electrical lockout and Steps in the electrical lockout procedure to complete your understanding of best practices.
