What are lockout/tagout procedures used for?

Lockout/tagout procedures are specifically established to ensure the safety of workers during maintenance activities on equipment. These procedures involve isolating energy sources and preventing the inadvertent activation or energization of machinery while it is being serviced. By applying locks and tags to energy isolating devices, maintenance personnel can ensure that equipment remains in a de-energized state until all servicing is complete and it is safe to restore power.

This practice helps eliminate the risk of unexpected equipment start-up or release of stored energy, significantly reducing the potential for workplace injuries. In contrast, the other options touch on aspects that do not align with the primary purpose of lockout/tagout. For instance, temporarily shutting down a power grid, providing emergency power, or limiting access to high-voltage areas don’t specifically address the protective measures applied during maintenance as lockout/tagout procedures do.