What is the purpose of a lockout/tagout procedure?

The purpose of a lockout/tagout procedure is to ensure that machines are properly shut down and not started unintentionally during maintenance or servicing activities. This safety protocol is critical in industrial settings where machinery may pose significant hazards to workers. By implementing lockout/tagout, authorized personnel can secure power sources, preventing accidental energization of equipment while someone is working on it.

This process typically involves physically locking the equipment's energy sources and placing tags that indicate maintenance is being performed. This helps to communicate to all personnel that the machines should not be operated, thus safeguarding workers from potential injuries caused by unexpected machine movements. Adhering to these procedures is not just best practice but is often a regulatory requirement to enhance workplace safety.

In contrast, marking unsafe areas, ensuring proper maintenance of equipment, and tracking maintenance schedules, while important aspects of workplace safety and efficiency, do not directly relate to the primary function of lockout/tagout procedures, which distinctly focuses on the control of energy sources to prevent unintended machine operation.