Ontario mining lockout/tagout campaign: How mines can strengthen hazardous energy control

Running from April 1, 2026 to March 31, 2027, the Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development (MLITSD) campaign focuses on ensuring equipment in Ontario mines is properly shut down, isolated, locked and tagged before maintenance or repair work begins. The year-long initiative combines compliance assistance with focused workplace inspections.

For mining operators, the campaign is an important opportunity to review existing hazardous-energy control programs, identify potential gaps and ensure workers have access to the appropriate lockout/tagout equipment for the machinery and energy sources they encounter.

Why is Ontario focusing on lockout/tagout?

Mining operations depend on a wide range of energized equipment, from electrical systems and conveyors to pumps, valves and heavy machinery. During maintenance, servicing and repair, electrical, hydraulic, pneumatic, mechanical or gravitational energy that has not been effectively isolated can expose workers to potentially fatal hazards.

According to the Ministry, non-compliance with lockout/tagout procedures has contributed to recent fatalities and severe critical injuries in Ontario’s mining sector.

Workplace Safety North (WSN), which is supporting the campaign alongside the Infrastructure Health and Safety Association, also identifies contact with machinery and equipment – including incidents related to energy isolation – as a leading cause of lost-time injuries in the sector.

Effective lockout/tagout therefore goes beyond regulatory compliance. It provides a physical barrier against the unexpected energization, movement or release of stored energy from equipment while workers are in a position where that energy could cause serious injury.

What are Ontario mines required to do?

Ontario Regulation 854, Mines and Mining Plants, contains specific requirements covering the isolation, locking and tagging of equipment.

Section 158 requires employers to establish a written locking and tagging program for work on electrical equipment or conductors. Before work begins, workers must verify that hazardous sources of electrical supply have been isolated, appropriate energy-isolating devices have been engaged, locked and tagged, and hazardous stored electrical energy has been discharged.

When work is being carried out on machinery, Section 185 requires moving parts to be stopped and hydraulic, pneumatic or gravity stored energy to be dissipated or contained. Energy-isolating devices must be installed where necessary and properly engaged, locked and tagged, with workers verifying the isolation before work begins.

Conveyors are another focus. Under Section 196, a conveyor undergoing repairs, adjustments or maintenance must generally be stopped and its prime mover de-energized, locked and tagged out, unless running the conveyor is necessary for the work and effective precautions are taken to prevent injury.

During the current campaign, inspectors will check compliance with Sections 158, 159, 185, and 196 of Regulation 854. They will also examine whether workers have received appropriate LOTO training, whether lockout devices are installed and being used, and whether appropriate measures are in place where live work is required.

Building an effective lockout/tagout system

Different mining applications can require different isolation methods. Electrical equipment may need circuit-breaker, plug or disconnect lockouts, while process and mechanical systems can require valve or pneumatic lockouts. Larger maintenance operations involving several workers may also need group lockout arrangements so that every person involved retains control over their own protection.

Carroll Technologies Group can supply a comprehensive range of lockout/tagout equipment for these applications, including portable and station-style lockout kits, group lockout boxes, electrical lockout devices, pneumatic and valve lockouts, hasps, individually keyed padlocks, cable lockouts and safety signage and tags.

STOPOUT lockout kits for mining operations

For sites looking to establish or standardize LOTO equipment, Carroll Technologies can supply STOPOUT® lockout solutions from Justrite Safety Group.

The STOPOUT Standard Plus Lockout Kit (KSK236) combines several commonly required lockout devices in one portable kit. It includes a lockout box, scissor and STOPOUT hasps, six differently keyed padlocks, lockout tags, circuit-breaker lockouts and both ball and gate valve lockouts.
Keeping equipment together in a dedicated kit makes it easier for maintenance personnel to access the right lockout device when needed and supports consistency across isolation procedures.

Group lockout boxes

Mining maintenance often involves multiple employees or contractors working on the same piece of equipment. Group lockout systems provide a practical way of ensuring each individual maintains control of their personal lock while a wider isolation remains in place.

The STOPOUT Portable Group Lockout Box (KCC617) lets you store the keys used to secure isolated energy sources in a central box. Individual workers can then apply their own personal padlocks to the box, helping prevent access to the isolation keys until everyone involved in the work has removed their lock. The portable steel unit provides 12 lock slots for workers’ personal padlocks.

Valve and pneumatic lockout

Mining and mineral-processing facilities can contain extensive hydraulic and pneumatic systems as well as pipelines carrying air, water and other materials. Locking these systems in a safe position may require equipment designed specifically for valves and compressed-air connections.

Carroll Technologies can supply STOPOUT ball valve and gate valve lockouts in a range of sizes, along with pneumatic and air-line lockout devices, helping sites select equipment suited to the different sources of stored or supplied energy across their operations.

Lockout tags and safety identification

Ontario’s mining regulations specify information that must be provided on lockout tags, including the reason equipment has been locked and tagged, the name of the person responsible and the date the isolation was made. For electrical applications covered by Section 158, the tag must also be made from non-conductive material and installed so that it cannot become energized.

Carroll Technologies can provide durable lockout tags and associated safety signage, including bilingual English/French options where required.