What is the primary purpose of lockout tagout procedures?

The primary purpose of lockout tagout procedures is to prevent unexpected energization or startup of equipment. These procedures are critical safety measures utilized in workplaces to ensure that machinery or equipment is properly shut down and not able to be restarted during maintenance or servicing activities. By applying locks and tags to the energy-isolating devices, workers ensure that no unintentional activation occurs, which could result in serious injuries or fatalities.

Lockout tagout procedures also play a vital role in compliance with safety regulations and promote a culture of safety by making it clear that machinery is not in operation. This is essential for protecting the employees who may be working on or around the equipment since unexpected energization can lead to hazardous situations. Thus, the focus is squarely on safeguarding the workforce from potential accidents that could arise from equipment coming back online unexpectedly.