What is the purpose of a lockout/tagout procedure?

The purpose of a lockout/tagout procedure is primarily to ensure that equipment is properly shut off and effectively isolated from any energy sources during maintenance or repair activities. This procedure is crucial for preventing accidental start-up or release of hazardous energy that could potentially harm workers or cause accidents. By using locks and tags to secure equipment, it clearly communicates that the equipment should not be operated until the maintenance work is completed. This practice significantly enhances workplace safety and compliance with health and safety regulations, ultimately protecting the well-being of personnel involved in maintenance tasks.

The other options do not align with the primary goal of lockout/tagout procedures. For instance, securing tools from theft or promoting teamwork, while important in their own right, are not directly related to the safety interventions that lockout/tagout procedures provide. Similarly, simplifying equipment operation does not address the critical aspects of safety and hazard management that lockout/tagout aims to uphold.