Webinar held 3 November 2025
The Standards Safety Procedures Group has developed the Lock Out Tag Out (LOTO) Guide to provide clear, practical guidance on the lockout and tagging of switches and equipment that serve as isolation points within the electricity ‘works’ environment. The guide is intended to complement, not replace, existing legislative and regulatory requirements, and is based on good practice as recognised by industry representatives.
An initial draft was sent out for consultation and feedback considered, including submissions questioning the need for a dedicated LOTO guide given the existence of various standards and internal procedures.
Both the EEA Executive and Electricity Networks Aotearoa reiterated their support for the development of this guide as a mechanism to provide clear, industry-specific guidance to lift LOTO and health and safety standards.
SSPG Lock Out Tag Out
3 November 2025
Webinar held 23 July 2024
The results of the industry survey that the EEA conducted in 2023 shows that the electricity supply industry in New Zealand has a varied approach to lock out / tag out procedures for electrical and mechanical isolation for work. Procedures vary from minimal control of applying no locks, to standard locks, to full personal locks.
This coupled with switching related near misses, and the desire to lift the bar on health and safety related practices it was proposed to structure a guide to bring a commonality to lock out / tag out processes in the electricity supply industry in New Zealand.
The requirements for the Draft Guide apply to the lock out / tag out of switches and equipment used to form isolation points in the electricity ‘works’ environment.
Lock out, tag out
23 July 2024