What is the purpose of a lockout/tagout procedure?

The purpose of a lockout/tagout procedure is to prevent accidental machine start-up during maintenance. This procedure is crucial in ensuring the safety of workers who are performing maintenance or repair work on machinery or equipment. Lockout/tagout involves isolating the energy sources of the machines and applying locks or tags that indicate the machines should not be operated. By adhering to this protocol, it minimizes the risk of injuries that could occur if equipment were to unexpectedly start while someone is working on it. The primary focus is on safety during potentially hazardous maintenance activities, significantly reducing the chances of accidents and injuries in the workplace.