What is the primary purpose of Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) procedures?

The primary purpose of Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) procedures is to prevent accidental start-up of equipment during maintenance or service work. This is crucial for ensuring the safety of individuals who may be working on or near equipment that could inadvertently be energized, posing significant risk of injury or even fatality.

Implementing LOTO procedures involves physically locking or tagging out energy sources, thereby rendering the equipment inoperable and protecting workers from unexpected releases of energy. This protocol is an essential safety measure in industrial and maintenance environments where machinery and energy systems may be involved, helping to create a clear and controlled process for conducting maintenance tasks.

While organizing tools, minimizing work-related injuries, and tracking maintenance history are important aspects of workplace safety and efficiency, they are not the primary focus of LOTO procedures. The essence of LOTO is specifically about controlling dangerous energy that could lead to accidents if proper precautions aren't followed.