What is the primary purpose of Lockout/Tagout procedures?

The primary purpose of Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) procedures is to ensure that equipment is de-energized and rendered inoperable during maintenance or servicing tasks. This is critical for protecting employees from the unexpected release of hazardous energy, which can occur if machinery is inadvertently activated while a worker is performing maintenance. By following proper LOTO protocols, workers can securely lock out equipment, preventing it from being restarted until they are safely finished with their work.

The de-energization process involves isolating all potentially hazardous energy sources—such as electrical, mechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic, chemical, or thermal—to create a safe work environment. Implementing these procedures significantly reduces the risk of accidents and injuries in workplaces that operate machinery or equipment.