In what scenario is a lockout/tagout procedure typically required?

A lockout/tagout (LOTO) procedure is typically required during equipment repair or maintenance to ensure the safety of employees working on or near potentially hazardous machinery. When maintenance or repair activities take place, there is a risk that the machinery could unexpectedly energize or release stored energy, which could result in serious injuries or fatalities.

Implementing a LOTO procedure involves placing locks and tags on energy-isolating devices to prevent the unintentional release of energy while work is being done. This not only protects the workers involved but also serves to inform others that the equipment is not to be operated until the maintenance is completed and the locks are safely removed.

While inspections, training sessions, and shift changes are also important activities in a workplace, they do not typically require a lockout/tagout procedure since they do not involve direct interaction with machines needing maintenance or repair. In those scenarios, the machinery is usually operating or not in a state that poses a hazard needing LOTO measures.