What does a Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) procedure aim to prevent?

Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) procedures are critical safety measures implemented in workplaces to ensure the safety of employees working on or near machinery and equipment during maintenance or servicing. The primary goal of LOTO is to prevent accidental machine start-up while maintenance or repair work is being performed. This procedure involves isolating energy sources and locking them out while using tags to inform others that maintenance is taking place, thereby significantly reducing the risk of injuries caused by unexpected activation of machines.

While options like equipment malfunction, unauthorized access, and improper handling of chemicals can represent safety concerns in various industrial settings, they are not the focus of Lockout/Tagout procedures. LOTO specifically addresses the potential dangers associated with unintended machine operations during maintenance, emphasizing the importance of ensuring that machinery is fully de-energized and safely secured before any work begins.