What is lockout/tagout (LOTO) and its purpose?

• A. A safety procedure to de-energize equipment and prevent restart during maintenance
• B. A procedure to document maintenance history
• C. A method for training operators on safety
• D. A process to verify instrument calibration during maintenance

Answer: (A)

Lockout/tagout is a safety practice used to control hazardous energy when equipment is being serviced or repaired. Its main purpose is to de-energize and isolate all energy sources so the machine cannot start up or release stored energy unexpectedly. This is done by applying physical locks to energy-disconnecting devices and, where a lock cannot be used, tags that warn that the equipment must not be energized. The combination keeps workers safe from shocks, burns, or injuries from moving parts by preventing accidental energization during maintenance. It covers electrical, hydraulic, pneumatic, thermal, and mechanical energy that could injure someone while they work on the equipment. After the work is finished and the area is clear, the lock(s) are removed only by the person who applied them, and power is re-energized only when it’s safe to do so. This approach helps ensure that maintenance is performed in a controlled way and complies with regulations that require energy isolation during servicing.