What is a primary goal of implementing lockout and tagout practices?

The primary goal of implementing lockout and tagout practices is to protect employees from potential hazards. Lockout/tagout procedures are crucial in ensuring that machinery and equipment are properly shut down and inoperable during maintenance or servicing. This practice involves physically locking the energy isolating devices in a safe position and placing tags on them to warn others that the equipment should not be operated.

By ensuring that all forms of hazardous energy are controlled, employees are shielded from unexpected energization, startup, or the release of stored energy that could cause injuries or fatalities. It creates a safe work environment when workers are performing tasks such as maintenance or repair.

While considerations such as minimizing production downtime, eliminating energy entirely, or reducing maintenance costs may arise in the broader context of operational efficiency, the foremost concern of lockout/tagout practices is the safety and health of employees. This emphasis on worker protection underscores the significance of stringent safety protocols in preventing accidents in the workplace.