What is the purpose of a lockout/tagout procedure?

The purpose of a lockout/tagout procedure is to ensure that machinery is properly shut off and not able to be started up again prior to the completion of maintenance or servicing. This is a critical safety practice designed to protect workers who are performing maintenance on equipment. By using lockout/tagout methods, workers can effectively isolate hazardous energy sources, thereby preventing accidental machine startup which could lead to serious injuries or fatalities.

Lockout/tagout involves physically locking the energy isolating devices in a safe position and placing a tag on them to indicate that maintenance work is being performed. This process helps establish a clear communication pathway regarding machine status, enhancing safety protocols within the workplace. The protection it offers is essential in environments where machinery is routinely serviced or repaired.

Other stated choices do not align with the specific safety goal of lockout/tagout procedures. While preventing theft, monitoring performance, or managing inventory may be relevant to different aspects of a workplace, they do not address the immediate safety concerns associated with the operation and maintenance of potentially dangerous machinery.