In industrial and maintenance environments, safety isn’t optional — it’s essential. One of the most effective safety practices is the Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) procedure, which protects workers from hazardous energy during equipment maintenance or servicing. While most people understand the importance of using LOTO padlocks, not everyone realises how valuable padlock colour coding can be.
In this blog, we explore:
✅ What LOTO is
✅ What the different padlock colours mean
✅ How to implement an effective colour-coded LOTO system
What is Lockout/Tagout (LOTO)?
LOTO is a safety procedure used to ensure that machines are properly shut off and cannot be restarted while maintenance or repair work is ongoing. It involves isolating the energy source (electric, hydraulic, pneumatic, etc.) and securing it with a lock and tag.
- The lock prevents access or restart.
- The tag identifies who placed the lock and why.
But when multiple departments, shifts, or contractors are involved, keeping track of who locked what can get confusing. That’s where padlock colours come in.
Why Use Colour-Coded LOTO Padlocks?
Colour-coding your LOTO padlocks helps you:
- Instantly identify roles (e.g. maintenance, contractor, safety)
- Avoid confusion in multi-user or group lockouts
- Improve communication across departments
- Reinforce compliance with safety policies and procedures
Just like hard hat colours on a construction site, padlock colours communicate responsibility and status at a glance.
Common LOTO Padlock Colours and Their Meanings
While companies may create their own systems, here are industry-standard meanings associated with LOTO padlock colours:
Red – Maintenance Staff
Red is the universal colour for danger or stop, and in LOTO, it’s most commonly used by in-house maintenance teams. A red lock signals that equipment is currently being serviced — do not operate.
Used by: Electricians, mechanical technicians
Meaning: Active maintenance in progress
Blue – Contractors
Blue is often assigned to external personnel or contractors working on-site. It’s a great way to distinguish temporary team members from your core staff during scheduled maintenance or shutdowns.
Used by: External service providers
Meaning: Lockout by contractor — do not remove without clearance
Green – Safety Personnel
Green, often associated with "go" or health/safety, can be used by your EHS (Environment, Health, and Safety) team. These padlocks may be used for inspections, audits, or compliance checks rather than direct maintenance.
Used by: Safety officers, auditors
Meaning: Safety hold — inspection or procedural compliance
Yellow – Supervisory or Cautionary Use
Yellow represents caution. It may be used by supervisors to signal equipment that is out of service but not currently under repair. Think of it as a visual “pause” or “warning” sign.
Used by: Operations or shift supervisors
Meaning: Caution — do not operate without supervisor review
Black – Group Lockout / Management
Black padlocks are sometimes used by management or in group lockout boxes. In multi-person jobs, each person applies their own lock, but a black lock may secure the lockbox that holds all individual keys.
Used by: Managers, group leaders
Meaning: Group lockout in place — do not remove
How to Set Up a Colour-Coded LOTO System
Want to bring colour clarity into your LOTO procedures? Here’s how to get started:
-
Develop a Standardised Colour Code Policy
Define what each colour means in your facility and document it clearly. -
Train Your Teams
Everyone from technicians to supervisors should know the system and respect it. -
Use Durable, Identifiable Locks
Go for padlocks with writable surfaces or ID labels to support clear identification. -
Maintain Key Control
Each padlock should have a unique key. No duplicates unless securely stored for emergencies. -
Review Regularly
As teams grow or shift, make sure your system still makes sense and stays up to date.
Final Thoughts
LOTO isn’t just about locks — it’s about saving lives and preventing accidents. And when every second counts, colour coding adds a powerful visual layer to your safety strategy.
At Bold Industrial, we stock a full range of colour-coded LOTO padlocks, lockout hasps, safety tags, and kits designed to meet international safety standards. Whether you're setting up your first lockout system or upgrading your current process, we’re here to help.
Need help choosing the right LOTO gear for your site?
Talk to our safety specialists or visit www.boldindustrial.co.ke to shop LOTO solutions today.