Purpose:
Recording the isolation of heat trace circuits during maintenance activities is paramount. The LOTO (Lock Out Tag Out) Log is designed to help users document and track these crucial isolation procedures. By doing so, you not only ensure the safety of your maintenance teams but also streamline the management of alarms generated during isolation. This article delves into the significance of the LOTO Log and how it prevents nuisance maintenance activities.
How to Add LOTO's
Three ways to add LOTO logs:
- Navigation Panel:
Users can add LOTO logs directly through the navigation panel, providing a centralized and easily accessible entry point for operators.
- Device Page - Add New Note Section:
The device page offers another avenue for adding LOTO logs. Positioned below device attachments and circuit information, the add new note section ensures context-specific entry with respect to the device in question.
- Alarms Validation Page:
As an added convenience, users can acknowledge alarms on the Alarms Validation Page by adding LOTO logs. This streamlined option integrates LOTO procedures into the alarm’s validation workflow, enhancing efficiency.
LOTO Entry Options:
SmartTrace empowers users with customizable options when adding or editing LOTO logs, including:
- Device identification undergoing LOTO
- Type of LOTO
- Work order associated with the LOTO
- LOTO expiration date
- LOTO creation timestamp
- General notes section for additional details or instructions
Alarms that have been tagged with a LOTO note, will not appear in the alarm validation screen since they have been acknowledged by the LOTO note until the expiration date, in which case they will appear in the validation screen highlighted in yellow with a warning label to indicate investigation.
The LOTO alarm will show the expected removal date and an option to either extend that date into the future or archive if the LOTO reasoning has been resolved and the circuit is online again.
Alarms that do not have the LOTO tagged note will not be filtered out and will populate in the alarm validation screen for investigation.
LOTO Page via Navigation Panel:
The LOTO page, accessible through the navigation panel, provides an organized overview of circuits that are currently LOTO'd. This dynamic display allows users to quickly identify active LOTO statuses and those that have been archived.
Archiving and Sorting:
SmartTrace's comprehensive LOTO logs management ensures not only the secure implementation of LOTO procedures but also provides operators with the flexibility and efficiency needed in critical temperature monitoring scenarios.