Safety and Performance in Maintenance: Apave Italia presents the HOT Lo-To-To approach and the EN 17975 Standard
What is the EN 17975 Standard?
Scheduled for publication in summer 2025 (replacing the former NF X60-400), the European standard EN 17975 provides rigorous guidelines for controlling risks related to energies (electrical, mechanical, pneumatic) and fluids (steam, chemicals, hydraulic systems) during all types of interventions.
This is not simply about “locking a machine,” but about managing a process that involves:
- Routine and corrective maintenance
- Inspections and improvement modifications
- Interaction among multiple stakeholders, from production teams to external contractors
Apave’s Exclusive Approach: HOT Lo-To-To
Going beyond the traditional concepts of Lock-Out and Tag-Out, Apave introduces the HOT Lo-To-To approach, where safety is addressed through three fundamental levers:
- H (Human – Human Factor):
We work on skills, behaviors, and safety culture to prevent errors caused by pressure or risk habituation. - O (Organizational – Organization):
We define clear roles, responsibilities, and procedures to eliminate “grey areas” between production and maintenance. - T (Technical – Technology):
We analyze plant compliance, documentation, and the effectiveness of physical lockout devices.
The method is completed with the Try-Out, the systematic verification of the absence of energy before starting any work.
Why choose Apave Italia?
Implementing the HOT Lo-To-To approach with our experts means more than simply “being compliant”—it delivers tangible business benefits:
- Increased Productivity (OEE):
Better-prepared maintenance reduces unexpected downtime and optimizes scheduled interventions. - Reduction of Residual Risk:
Through comprehensive diagnostics, reference sheets, and visual identification of lockout points. - Change Management:
We support you with targeted training and operational assistance to ensure that safety becomes a shared value at all organizational levels.
“By working better, you gain on both fronts: safety and performance.”
What do we offer?
Organizational Support
- Our experts will support you in creating an efficient and consistent organization through:
- Analysis of plants and equipment to determine the feasibility of securing energies and fluids via lockout/tagout
- Continuous support in drafting internal procedures for securing energies and fluids using lockout/tagout, as well as technical sheets and documentation for activity traceability
- Training maintenance technicians and production operators on the principles of lockout/tagout
Additional Services
- Occupational, chemical, and ATEX risk assessments
- Development of LOTO sheets to identify energy and fluid isolation devices for each piece of equipment
- Definition and implementation of the resources required for safe isolation (locking devices, padlocks, detection systems, etc.)
- Development of specific operational procedures for securing energies and fluids of equipment through lockout/tagout
- Regular audits on procedure implementation
Tailored Training
- Customized courses on the principles of the LOTO approach and on company-specific maintenance procedures
- Support for cultural change and accountability by integrating risk analysis into daily behavior
Are you ready to secure the future of your company?
Our experts are available to carry out a comprehensive assessment of your facility and guide you through the adoption of the EN 17975 standard.