What is the main purpose of Lockout/Tagout procedures?

The main purpose of Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) procedures is to control hazardous energy and prevent unexpected startup of machinery or equipment during maintenance or servicing activities. This is crucial for ensuring the safety of workers who may be exposed to potentially dangerous conditions caused by the release of stored energy, such as electrical, mechanical, hydraulic, or pneumatic energy. By utilizing locks and tags to secure energy-isolating devices, LOTO procedures provide a reliable method for minimizing the risk of accidents and injuries in the workplace. This systematic approach is designed to protect employees by ensuring that equipment cannot be inadvertently re-energized while they are performing work on it.

Although preventing unauthorized use of equipment, maintaining cleanliness in work areas, and ensuring proper training for workers are important aspects of workplace safety and efficiency, they are secondary to the core objective of LOTO, which is centered specifically around controlling hazardous energy.