Which of the following practices requires the use of lockout/tagout procedures?

Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) procedures are specifically designed to protect employees from the unexpected release of hazardous energy during servicing and maintenance activities. When employees engage in tasks that involve repairing, maintaining, or servicing machinery, they may be exposed to various forms of hazardous energy, such as electrical, mechanical, hydraulic, or pneumatic energy. Implementing LOTO procedures ensures that these energy sources are properly controlled or isolated, preventing accidental start-up or release that could lead to severe injuries or fatalities.

Using LOTO allows workers to confidently and safely conduct their tasks, knowing that machinery cannot inadvertently operate while they are working on it. This practice is essential for ensuring a safe work environment and complying with OSHA regulations surrounding hazardous energy control.

In contrast, normal production operations, cleaning running machinery parts, and setting up new machines without precaution do not necessitate the rigorous application of lockout/tagout, as these activities either do not involve exposure to hazardous energy or lack the necessity for isolation and control that LOTO provides during service and maintenance operations.