What is the primary purpose of lockout/tagout procedures?

The primary purpose of lockout/tagout procedures is to ensure that machines are properly shut off and unable to be started up again before maintenance or repair work is completed. This safety practice is crucial in preventing accidental machine start-up during maintenance activities, which can lead to severe injuries or fatalities for workers who are repairing or servicing machinery. By implementing lockout/tagout, workers can safely control hazardous energy sources, such as electrical, mechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic, and more, thereby creating a secure working environment.

Lockout/tagout procedures require that machines be powered down, and specialized locks or tags are applied to energy-isolating devices, effectively controlling the release of hazardous energy. This proactive approach significantly reduces the risk of incidents related to equipment being unexpectedly activated during maintenance activities.