What are lockout/tagout procedures meant to achieve?

Lockout/tagout procedures are critical safety measures designed to prevent the accidental activation of machinery while maintenance or repair work is being performed. These procedures involve placing a lock or tag on energy sources to inhibit their operation, which protects workers from potentially hazardous situations that could occur if machinery were to accidentally start up while they are working on it. By isolating energy sources and clearly marking them, employees can work safely without the risk of an unexpected machine start-up causing injury or accidents, thus helping to ensure a safer work environment.

The focus of lockout/tagout is specifically on controlling hazardous energy during maintenance, making it essential for protecting workers and ensuring compliance with safety regulations. Other options, while related to workplace safety or management practices, do not specifically address the purpose of lockout/tagout procedures, which is to prevent accidental machine activation.