LOT/General/TBT-LOT-012

Re-Energisation Procedures

Lock Out Tag OutGeneralRe-Energisation Procedures

All Categories/Lock Out Tag Out/General/Re-Energisation Procedures

Re-Energisation Procedures

Toolbox Talk Record

Ref: TBT-LOT-012  |  Issue: 1  |  Date: March 2026
PresenterProject
LocationDate

What?

  • Re-energisation is the process of restoring energy to equipment after LOTO maintenance is complete.
  • Premature or uncontrolled re-energisation is a leading cause of death during maintenance and repair work.
  • Every person who applied a lock must remove their own lock before the system can be re-energised.
  • A final check must confirm all tools, materials, and personnel are clear of the equipment.
  • Guards and safety devices must be fully reinstated before power is restored to the machine.
  • The responsible person must verify that the work is complete and it is safe to re-energise.
  • A controlled start-up procedure should be followed, with the equipment operated initially at reduced load.
  • Communication with all affected workers is required before any re-energisation takes place.
  • Shift changes are a particular risk — the incoming shift must be aware of the LOTO and re-energisation status.
  • The permit to work must be formally closed out before the system is returned to operational status.

Why?

Prevent fatalitiesPremature re-energisation while workers are still inside or near equipment is a leading cause of workplace death.
AccountabilityPersonal locks ensure no one can restore energy until every worker has confirmed they are clear of the equipment.
Controlled start-upGradual re-energisation allows detection of faults or problems before the equipment reaches full operational power.
Do Don't
  • Confirm all maintenance work is complete and the equipment is ready to operate
  • Verify all tools, rags, and materials have been removed from inside the equipment
  • Ensure all guards, covers, and safety devices are fully reinstated
  • Confirm every person who applied a lock has removed their own personal lock
  • Communicate with all affected workers that re-energisation is about to take place
  • Follow the controlled start-up procedure, operating at reduced load initially
  • Close out the permit to work formally before restoring operational status
  • Brief the incoming shift on the re-energisation status during shift handover
  • Carry out a head count to confirm all personnel are clear of the equipment
  • Record the re-energisation time, responsible person, and any findings on the permit
  • DON'T re-energise equipment until every personal lock has been removed by its owner
  • DON'T remove another person's lock without a formal authorised procedure
  • DON'T restore power before confirming all guards and safety devices are in place
  • DON'T skip the visual check for tools and personnel inside the equipment
  • DON'T re-energise without communicating with all workers in the affected area
  • DON'T go straight to full operational load — use a controlled start-up procedure
  • DON'T re-energise across a shift change without handover to the incoming team
  • DON'T close the permit until the responsible person has authorised re-energisation
  • DON'T assume everyone is clear — carry out a head count before restoring power
  • DON'T rush re-energisation under production pressure — safety comes first

See also: LOTO Awareness | Verification of Isolation (Proving Dead)

RAMS Builder

Generate professional Risk Assessment and Method Statements in minutes. 10 document formats, site-specific content, instant Word download.

Learn More