What is the purpose of a lockout/tagout (LOTO) procedure?

The purpose of a lockout/tagout (LOTO) procedure is fundamentally about ensuring the safety of personnel who are performing maintenance or repair work on machinery. By implementing a LOTO procedure, workers can securely isolate machines from their energy sources, which prevents accidental energization or start-up while they are working. This procedure involves physically locking the energy-isolating devices and tagging them to indicate that the machinery should not be operated.

This safety practice is critical in industrial settings where the operation of machinery poses significant risks to workers. It adheres to legal safety regulations and provides a systemic approach to hazard control, thereby promoting a culture of safety within the workplace. While enhancing circuit performance, facilitating quick repairs, or reducing energy consumption could be secondary benefits of proper maintenance, the primary and most vital goal of a lockout/tagout procedure is to ensure the machinery is safely shut off, thereby protecting workers from potential injuries.