The course is designed to equip learners with the knowledge and practical skills required to safely isolate mechanical systems prior to maintenance, inspection, or repair activities.

Participants will develop competence in identifying mechanical energy sources, including moving parts, stored mechanical energy, and associated hazards, and in applying correct isolation and Lock-Out/Tag-Out (LOTO) techniques to prevent the unexpected release of energy.

The training includes exposure to a range of mechanical systems and isolation scenarios—such as rotating equipment, conveyors, drives, and guarded machinery—to broaden understanding of mechanical isolation principles across different plant and equipment.

Upon completion of this course, learners will be proficient in isolating mechanical systems and applying LOTO controls to ensure machinery is safely secured and rendered inoperable before work commences.

The target learners for this course are workers who are required to isolate, control, or verify mechanical systems prior to maintenance, inspection, servicing, or repair activities.

This includes, but is not limited to:

• Mechanical tradespersons and fitters

• Maintenance technicians and maintenance supervisors

• Plant operators and production personnel

• Electrical workers and multi-skilled trades working around mechanical plant

• Team leaders, supervisors, and permit issuers responsible for authorising or overseeing mechanical isolations

The course is suitable for learners working in environments where mechanical hazards are present, including rotating machinery, conveyors, drives, presses, guarded equipment, and systems with stored mechanical energy.

Typical industry contexts include manufacturing, mining, processing facilities, utilities, transport, and industrial maintenance operations.

This training is appropriate for both new and experienced workers who are required to apply, monitor, or verify Lock-Out/Tag-Out (LOTO) procedures to ensure mechanical systems are safely isolated and secured before work commences.

Learning activities for this course are designed to develop both theoretical understanding and practical capability in isolating mechanical systems in accordance with workplace procedures and Work Health and Safety (WHS) requirements.

Learners will participate in a combination of the following activities:

• Instructor-led theory sessions covering mechanical hazards, sources of mechanical energy, and legislative and organisational requirements for mechanical isolation and Lock-Out/Tag-Out (LOTO)

• Hazard identification activities focused on recognising moving parts, stored mechanical energy, and associated risks in plant and machinery

• Demonstration and guided practice in isolating mechanical systems, including the use of guards, interlocks, isolation points, and lock-out devices

• Hands-on application of LOTO controls, including the fitting of locks, tags, and physical restraints to prevent unintended movement or start-up

• Scenario-based practical tasks simulating real-world maintenance, inspection, and servicing activities requiring mechanical isolation

• Use of workplace documentation, such as isolation procedures, permits, checklists, and handover records

• Communication and handover exercises to practise confirming isolation status with supervisors, operators, and maintenance personnel

• Review and reflection activities to reinforce safe work practices and correct application of mechanical isolation and LOTO procedures

These learning activities are conducted in a controlled training environment or simulated workplace setting and are designed to reflect current industry practices and site-specific mechanical isolation requirements.

On successful completion of this course, learners will be able to:

1. Identify mechanical hazards and energy sources associated with plant and machinery, including moving parts and stored mechanical energy.

2. Interpret workplace procedures and WHS requirements relating to mechanical isolation and Lock-Out/Tag-Out (LOTO).

3. Select and apply appropriate mechanical isolation methods to prevent unintended movement or start-up of machinery.

4. Apply Lock-Out/Tag-Out controls using approved locks, tags, and physical restraints in accordance with workplace procedures.

5. Verify mechanical isolation and system safety prior to the commencement of maintenance or servicing activities.

6. Communicate isolation status and handover requirements effectively with relevant personnel to ensure safe coordination of work.

1 day (8 hrs)

Learners are required to have the following to participate in this course:

• Personal Protective Equipment (e.g. Hard Hat, Safety Footwear, Approved Hi-Vis Clothing, Safety Glasses)

• Stationary (e.g. Pen, Pencil, etc.)

Learners will be assessed using a combination of the following methods:

• Theory/Written Assessment (e.g. Short Answer Questions, Multiple Choice, Verbal Questioning Interview)

• Direct Observation/Practical Assessment (e.g. conduct workplace/worksite hazard identification, risk assessment and recommend risk control measures).

participants must be currently working in, or preparing to work in, an environment where mechanical plant and equipment are operated, maintained, inspected, or serviced.

Learners should have:

• A basic understanding of workplace health and safety (WHS) requirements

• Experience working around mechanical plant, machinery, or equipment

• The ability to follow documented mechanical isolation and Lock-Out/Tag-Out (LOTO) procedures

• Authorisation from their employer or site controller to participate in practical mechanical isolation activities, where required

Language, Literacy and Numeracy (LLN) Requirements

To successfully participate in this course, learners must have sufficient LLN skills to:

• Read and interpret mechanical isolation procedures, permits, safety signage, and warning labels

• Accurately complete lock-out tags, isolation checklists, and permit-to-work documentation

• Communicate isolation status, hazards, and handover information clearly with supervisors, operators, and maintenance personnel

• Understand basic numerical information relevant to mechanical systems, such as equipment identification, sequence of isolation steps, and verification checks

This course is suitable for mechanical tradespersons, maintenance technicians, plant operators, supervisors, and other workers who are required to isolate, control, or verify mechanical systems as part of their role.

Awards:

• This CTS program/course is a non-accredited skills development course.

• Upon successful completion, learners will receive a certificate of attendance and completion.

Exclusions:

• This course does not authorise participants to perform mechanical systems isolation, lock out/tag out or issue access authorities.

• Additional enterprise authorisation, competency assessment, and system/process specific training may be required for those roles.